To both the great philosophers, Socrates and Confucius, education is the lifelong pursuit of knowledge and the practice of virtue. Both aim to inculcate in their students a love for learning and a desire for the life of virtue.(1) In striking comparison, the MOE states the moral, intellectual, physical, social and aesthetical development of the child as its desired outcomes of education. The state seeks in its leaders and citizens, individuals who are morally upright, responsible to family, community and country, constituents of a gracious society, one who is able to seek, process and apply knowledge ,who has a spirit of continual improvement and a lifelong passion for learning.(6) These values are in accordance with those of Socrates and Confucius.
Socrates and Confucius believed strongly in the cultivation of the moral character of the student. Moral education is important because one has obligations and responsibilities to the society. Moral and Civic education serves to produce considerate, deliberative and civic-minded individuals with an exalted dedication towards performing their duty to the community. As stated on the MOE website, “An educated person is one who is responsible to himself, his family, and his friends.”(6) The MOE believes that the foundation of a person is his values. From these spring his outlook on life and his goals in life.(6)
In addition, a morally upright individual will be able to take responsibility of the affairs of the state without being seduced or tempted by the accumulation of wealth and power that comes along with social status.(1) This is vital because we see relevant examples in today’s society; with reference to the 2005 NKF saga, the ICPAS(Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore) commented that “ The board of directors must take a proactive role in … maintaining a culture of integrity and sound ethics throughout the organisation.”(7) We can see how easy it is to go morally astray when given...