Human knowledge encompasses different dimensions. On the one hand, there are theoretical knowledge, such as physics, mathematics or chemistry. Some disciplines are based on the learning of practical skills and abilities, as is the case with some manual trades. There is also knowledge whose objective is intellectual evasion and aesthetic delight, such as literature, music or painting.
Apart from this knowledge, the human being needs to learn ethical principles and values that facilitate coexistence. To achieve this objective there is a specific training, which focuses on the promotion of civility and the ethical sense of existence.
Civility
In every society there is a set of norms related to civic behavior. Among the best known we can highlight the following: greet with courtesy, ask for things in a polite way, listen to others, offer our help to those who may need it and respect the codes of good conduct.
All of these things are learned in the family and in the classroom. Without adequate training in this regard, individual and collective behavior is extremely problematic.
Fundamental ethical principles and values
A series of ethical principles are taught in all cultures. As a general rule, we have all learned that it is not necessary to tell lies, that it is necessary to be fair and that we have to distinguish between good and evil.
Likewise, at school and in family life we learn to identify those human values that are necessary to coexist harmoniously in society, such as tolerance, non-violence, altruism or charity.
The civic and ethical training course
In most curricula there is a specific subject related to everything that favors life in society. The important thing in this type of subject is that the teacher raises some fundamental concepts so that the students can internalize a personal criterion on all kinds of matters.
In the programs of this subject, students face issues that affect all orders of life.
In other words, teacher and student discuss and reflect on the essential issues of the human condition: what is justice, why must we respect the laws, what is freedom or what does individual responsibility mean.
This type of training implies a series of benefits for the whole of a society. The phenomenon of political corruption, acts of street violence or gender discrimination can be combated with adequate learning in civic norms and ethical values.
Photo: Fotolia - Icruci
