Civics beyond critics: character education in a liberal democracy

The goal of this book is to show how we can recognise the value of the kinds of character formation that civic education has traditionally involved without losing the portion of the truth that can be found in the orthodox view that favours critical autonomy. 'Civics Beyond Critics' warns against neglecting character traits that, although commonly labelled 'conservative', are realistically essential for the future of all liberal democracies

The goal of this book is to show how we can recognise the value of the kinds of character formation that civic education has traditionally involved without losing the portion of the truth that can be found in the orthodox view that favours critical autonomy. 'Civics Beyond Critics' warns against neglecting character traits that, although commonly labelled 'conservative', are realistically essential for the future of all liberal democracies.

Introduction : theorizing education for civic character -- Promoting compliance with laws. Cultivating motives for compliance ; Evaluating education for compliance : a cost-benefit analysis -- Fostering civic motivation. Sources of civic motivation ; Doing without love -- Status quo bias in civic education. Status quo educational bias : its nature and sources ; A qualified defense of status quo bias -- Conclusion : citizenship and the limits of autonomy.

This book examines the goals of civic education in liberal democracy, and demonstrates how we can recognize the value of the kinds of character formation that civic education has traditionally involved without losing the portion of the truth that can be found in the orthodox view which favors critical autonomy.

Examines the orthodox view that education for civic character must be limited to avoid compromising its recipients' ability to think and act as critically autonomous citizens, arguing that traits such as law-abidingness, civic identification, and support for society's institutions are equally essential