Unit 1:Foundations of Ethics and Deontology in Education: Introduction

Unit 1:Foundations of Ethics and Deontology in Education

This unit provides a foundational overview of ethics and deontology in educational contexts. Students will begin by exploring key definitions and distinctions between ethics and deontology, followed by an examination of the historical development of ethics in teaching. The unit introduces essential ethical frameworks—virtue ethics, consequentialism, and deontology—and emphasizes their relevance to education. Finally, learners will reflect on the role of ethics in shaping teacher identity, values, and everyday professional practice.

1. Introduction

In educational contexts, ethics and deontology are not abstract concepts but critical elements of the teaching profession. This unit introduces students to the foundational principles of ethics and moral reasoning and highlights the essential role these values play in shaping teacher behavior, decision-making, and professionalism.