Abstract
On first impression, the book of Proverbs appears to provide significant support
to a character-focused approach to education. It abounds with character terms,
names for virtues and vices, and is centrally concerned with the qualities and prospects of certain kinds of persons: the wise, fools, the righteous. For this reason, it has been drawn on by advocates of virtue ethics. However, the book of Proverbs also presents problems for such views. As Anne Stewart has highlighted, it lacks any clear narrative structure or clear implications about character development.
Furthermore, in certain respects, its approach to pedagogy and moral reasoning
pays scant attention to virtues. This paper will outline these issues and then
illustrate their significance by reference to Thomas Aquinas's understanding of
prudence. It will conclude with some suggestions as to how this should moderate emphasis on character-oriented attributes in theological education.
to a character-focused approach to education. It abounds with character terms,
names for virtues and vices, and is centrally concerned with the qualities and prospects of certain kinds of persons: the wise, fools, the righteous. For this reason, it has been drawn on by advocates of virtue ethics. However, the book of Proverbs also presents problems for such views. As Anne Stewart has highlighted, it lacks any clear narrative structure or clear implications about character development.
Furthermore, in certain respects, its approach to pedagogy and moral reasoning
pays scant attention to virtues. This paper will outline these issues and then
illustrate their significance by reference to Thomas Aquinas's understanding of
prudence. It will conclude with some suggestions as to how this should moderate emphasis on character-oriented attributes in theological education.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | God's exemplary graduates |
| Subtitle of host publication | Character-oriented graduate attributes in theological education |
| Editors | Peter G. Bolt, Peter Laughlin |
| Place of Publication | Maccquarie Park NSW |
| Publisher | SCD Press |
| Chapter | 11 |
| Pages | 156–164 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781925730227 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781925730210 |
| Publication status | Published - 2021 |