Die Notwendigkeit des Ethikunterrichts in der Sekundarstufe I

The article deals, on a philosophical basis, with three essential aspects of a subtitute for pupils who do not participate in religious instruction : (1) the necessity of ethical instruction in the current social situation. The fundamental uncertainty of rules in post-metaphysical times has caused a crisis in orientation. This crisis cannot be solved by reverting to former moral concepts. It becomes necessary to establish a universal moral authority. (2) The indispensability of ethical instruction as genuine philosophical enquiry into problems of reason and truth. Ethical instruction cannot be part of a mixture of religious and political instruction. (3) Practical consequences for philosophically based ethical teaching. The teaching of ethics is critical moral instruction based on discoursive reason. It appeals to understanding, not to emotions.