Character Matters : How to Help Our Children Develop Good Judgment, Integrity, and Other Essential Virtues

Rating:
Summary: Captivating book
Review: I checked this book out of the library because I have two daughters aged seven and nine and I wanted some ideas on how to effectively teach them how important a person's character is. They are both well behaved and doing well in school, but I feel I need to be a more active parent. My current modus operandi is "lead by example" but I know that I need to expand my skill set.

I enjoyed this book. It references numerous websites, movies, and books. I particularly like http://www.teachwithmovies.com. I would highly recommend this book for both parents and educators. The majority of the book covers strategies for character education in the schools from different avenues like the staff, parents, and the community.

I feel this book made significant difference in my own character development and I hope I can create positive momentum in all aspects of my life. I was particularly excited about the nine ethical tests we can teach children on p. 47. I plan on making copies and hope my kids carry those for the rest of their lives.

My background - age 34; white, middle-class, married male; libertarian; computer programmer/analyst; corporate employee.

Rating:
Summary: Sadly, it doesn't matter to the author
Review: As the title indicates, character does indeed matter. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to matter to the author. For example, according to the author, virtues "define what it means to be human." If he had done his homework, he would have seen that this is demonstrably untrue. As C.S. Lewis pointed out, we call gravity a "law" because we observe that it always happens. Natural laws are observations of what nature does. Virtues, however, are just the opposite. We don't call them virtues because we observe that people always practice them. On the contrary, virtues are necessary because they go against our nature. Virtues don't "define" humanity; they transcend natural human tendencies.

Building on such a flawed foundation, Lickona's virtuous edifice crumbles at the smallest sign of stress. After defining "Fortitude" as doing what's right in the face of difficulty, he brings us to what he considers an indication of declining morality: "the use of abortion as backup birth control."

(I want to make it clear,that I'm not arguing about whether abortion is right or wrong, but about Lickona's consistency in application of his list of virtues). He cites evidence that up to 70% of women who have abortions do so against conscience (a violation of his virtue of "integrity"). He describes this issue as "difficult." It seems like an ideal time for him to recommend "fortitude," doing what's right (by their own consciences) in the face of difficulty.

But when confronted with this difficulty, Lickona prescribes a litany of government programs, like "affordable day care." Apparently, what a lack of virtue gets us into (again, by his description), government policy can get us out of. Character doesn't matter, after all.

There are a host of other difficulties, but, given the fundamental flaw just mentioned, they hardly matter. For example, are "a positive attitude" and "hard work" virtues on the level with "fortitude," or are they actually by-products of other true virtues such as "wisdom" and "self-disciplline?"

The fundamental problem is that character is "caught" as much as it is "taught." Lickona himself notes the importance of modeling character as well as giving instruction. Instruction can only produce behaviors that mimic virtue. The late George Burns said, "In Hollywood, sincerity is everything. If you can fake that, you can fake anything."

Lickona's techniques and his passion for the subject pay tribute to character and virtue. His failure to actually apply it is in the end fatal, for, as Oscar Wilde reminded us, "Hypocrisy is the tribute vice pays to virtue."

Rating:
Summary: Practical tips obscure practical wisdom.
Review: Thomas Lickona's practical guide to nurturing character is filled with a number of good ideas. Lickona is particularly at his best when he argues for strengthening partnerships between schools, parents, students, and the broader community. His narratives are often inspiring and impress upon the reader the importance of focusing on moral education and socialization.
This said - Lickona's book does a grave injustice in terms of ignoring the complex nature of moral issues and education. Like other proponents of character education, Lickona calls on the ancient Greeks to support his claims. However, the quotes used are out of context. Aristotle believed that there was no recipe for developing character. Rather, Aristotle contends that discerning the proper course of action in any situation requires "phronesis" or practical wisdom that cannot be taught in a step by step manner. This point is essential and should not be glossed over. Indeed, good judgement is the cornerstone of any education. There is no formula for being of good character and there is no formula for teaching in a way that inspires character development- rather it requires a thoughtful examination of context, student personality, teacher personality, and a host of other factors.
Further, Lickona makes some arguments that go against any notions of respect or tolerance. For instance, he seems to condemn homosexuality (as well as masterbation, pre-marital sex, and abortion) and actually provides contact information for a psychologist that can provide referrals to professionals to counsel children with homosexual orientations in a manner congruent with the parents' values (i.e., straight).
Overall - some great tips that I believe no rational adult (right-wing or left) would disagree with. But it seems that Lickona envisions a world much like that portrayed in the movie "Pleasantville" -- seemingly delightful but intolerant of real difference.