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Character & Leadership (Beta)

CL7.1.e. Ethical concepts and terms

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Students understand that the concepts of character and ethics refer to principles that establish standards of right and wrong; these standards define morality and prescribe how a good person should behave. They understand that: 1) There is a difference between universal ethical values (beliefs about virtue and morality consistent across time and cultures) and personal ethical values (personal beliefs about right and wrong, often based on political or religious convictions that are not universal because people of character disagree on whether they establish ethical duties for everyone.15 2) Ethical duties and moral obligations are different from, and sometimes more demanding and important than, legal duties. For example, civil disobedience (the deliberate and open violation of unjust laws) is an expression of an ethical duty. 3) “Ethics” and “values” are not interchangeable terms. Ethics concerns what is right and wrong, whereas values are simply what matters to us (e.g., health and wealth). A person of good character has deeply held ethical values.

CL7.1.d. The SIX Pillars of Character

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Students understand that ethical beliefs and actions are the foundation of good character (i.e., character is ethics in action). They seek to develop and display the virtues and traits arising from universal ethical values known as the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

CL7.1.c. Responsibility for character

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Students understand that their character is a product of their values and choices (i.e., the formation of their character lies in their own hands). Students accept and demonstrate personal responsibility to create and improve their character by conscientious efforts to strengthen their commitment and adherence to ethical values and principles.

CL7.1.b. Importance of character

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Students understand that good character is more important to success, meaningful relationships, self-respect, and the esteem of others than other commonly valued attributes, including intelligence, beauty, talent, money, and status. Character not only defines who they are, it determines their future.

CL7.1.a. Good character – components

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Students understand that good character consists of attributes reflecting positive moral values, traits, dispositions, habits and attitudes. They know that their character (i.e., who they are inside) will define them, shape their reputation, and determine how they are likely to act. (For example, will they be generous or indifferent to a person in need, kind or cruel to a person who made a mistake, honest or devious in dealing with others?)