Ethics lessons: key to democracy and responsibility in schools!

Ethics lessons: key to democracy and responsibility in schools!

Ethics lessons at secondary schools in Bavaria are becoming increasingly important as a crucial element of democratic education. In times of social upheaval, it is important to prepare students to take responsibility and actively contribute to shaping society. The Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU) emphasizes the role of ethics teaching, which not only contributes to reflection but also to the ability to take on different perspectives. This is highlighted by Katharina Zöpfl, research assistant at the Chair of Philosophy, who underlines the relevance of the subject in current social contexts. Ethics teaching is a platform that enables learners to deepen democratic principles and promote dialogue, which is supported by the close integration of theory and practice at the KU, where innovative service-learning projects are offered.

A new course of study at the KU is intended to further reform ethics teaching and make it future-proof. The plan is to offer ethics as a main subject in secondary school teaching in conjunction with subjects such as mathematics or English. This is subject to a guided learning approach that enables intensive support of students by experienced teachers as well as exchange with schools and educational institutions. Enrollment for the winter semester 2025/2026 begins on August 11th and ends on October 2nd, 2025, and the course is free of admission.

Democracy education in ethics lessons

Democratic education is actively promoted in ethics lessons, with schools playing a central role. This has been clearly defined by the School Act and is one of the most important tasks of educational institutions to educate learners to become responsible citizens. Ethics lessons make a crucial contribution to imparting skills for democratic participation in society. In the school community, learners learn what it means to take responsibility and approach problems in a solution-oriented manner, for example by setting up class councils and electing class representatives.

Methodologically, ethics lessons offer numerous approaches to democracy education. Simulation games such as “Model United Nations” promote skills in negotiation, rhetoric and conflict management. Debates and dilemma discussions are also important to strengthen respect for pluralism and develop an understanding of different perspectives. In this way, central concepts such as freedom, democracy and justice are discussed. These discussions are crucial to address current challenges such as populism and fake news and to highlight the need for education and critical thinking.

Overall, ethics lessons ensure that students are enabled to participate in society as responsible citizens. It prepares them not only to be informed, but also to participate actively and responsibly in the discussion about the challenges of a democracy. The combination of theory and practical application that is available at the KU offers an ideal basis for the values ​​education of future teachers.

For more information about ethics classes and the new degree program at KU, please visit the website Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. Additional content on democracy education in ethics lessons can be found in a comprehensive document from the Reli-Ethics Blog. Those too Federal Agency for Civic Education provides materials that emphasize the importance of values ​​education.