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.
Throughout history, philosophers and educators have explored the moral role of the teacher. From Aristotle's notion of virtue to Kant's deontological principles, ethical thinking has deeply informed educational theory and practice.