Strengthening the character of a good citizen and the role of education in preparing future citizens of a democratic society

Abstract

In this paper, we will analyze the values ​​(good in the existing and better in the future) in shaping the character of a young person, more precisely shaping the character of a future citizen and voter, through educational institutions. To what extent the value of an institution, represented by a school for a young man, can influence the development of qualities for which that young man will later be praised, already during the first elections, we will consider through the acquisition of these qualities in educational institutions. The author we are taking as a reference is Matthew Lipman and his definition of character, as a set of qualities for which one can be praised by others, and in the situation also from the narrative of a democratically organized society. Having given the definition of character in the context of a democratic society, we will analyze how education assumes responsibility for monitoring current changes in society using Konrad Paul Lissmann's theory of (non)education, as well as learning about the relationship between democracy and education by John Dewey. In order to shape the character of the holders of the educational system and future voters, we will try to present the guidelines that a virtuous citizen should follow and point out the possibilities of (re)shaping with the help of Heidi Hayes Jacobs, Amy Gutmann, Diane F. Halpern, Svi H. Shapira and David E. Purpel student through the education system into a future bearer of civic life that has character.