Cultivating Virtue in the University

Book excerpt: Historically, character education has been an important aim of many universities. Yet, while the last few decades have witnessed increased interest in character education among children and adolescents, much less attention has been given to the formation of university students in the midst of a crucial period of intellectual and ethical development. Cultivating Virtue in the University offers insights into why educating character might be an important aim for universities and how institutions might integrate it in an increasingly global and pluralistic age. The book will interest scholars, faculty, staff, and administrators considering whether they might want to integrate character into their institutions as well as public audiences eager to explore the purpose of the university at a time when the future of higher education is under intense debate.