Can Ethics Be Taught?

Of course ethics can be taught! Haven't you ever asked someone, "What do you think I should do?" Moreover, people love TEACHING others ethics (whether they know they are or not). People love telling you what they think you should do in sticky situations.

My ability to deal with moral issues has been shaped at home, of course, but heavily by people connected to me at church, and also my university training.

Here's an example of a discussion we had in personal finance class about whether something is right or wrong:

"Is the estate tax right or wrong?" Should the wealthiest Americans be forced to pay the tax on their inheritances? Should they be forced to fund the government so that the middle class bears less of the burden? In finding some research to answer this question, I found this REALLY interesting link. An interview with Bill Gates about Repeal of the Death Tax. Bill feels very strongly AGAINST repeal of the death tax that President GW Bush tried to sign into effect very early in his administration! I was so shocked! Read the interview from 2003. It's really interesting.

Point is, lots of opportunities to talk about ethics and what is "right or wrong" -- whether they be at home, church, or school, are each learning moments. And I have gotten better at "doing the right thing".

I argue that ethics CAN be taught.

I am an artifact of ethics training.