Social and Moral Education of Young People and the Teaching of Ethics

Abstract

This paper aims to show that ethics clesses in schools create the most positive educational
experiences affecting the socio-moral development of young people. While ethics classes are conducted
in the proper paradigm (progressivism, cognitive-developmental approach, the idea of mentoring),
it shapes the characteristics, attitudes and skills of young people which is widely reflected in
one’s personal moral development. Among the skills and traits shaped by the ethics classes we can
distinguish: awareness of one’s own identity, the ability to build dialogic relationships, communication
skills, critical thinking and the courage to choose moral values in line with the “I”. Openness
and awareness of teachers of ethics, who assume the role of mentors, leaders and personal advisors
can turn into an improvement of the quality of education of values in Polish schools.