Karl Ernst Nipkow

Moral Education in West Germany

Abstract Taking terminological questions as a starting point the authors give an overview of the theory and practice of moral education in Germany. Special emphasis is given to the historical background of current theories of moral development as well as to legal and political questions concerning the present state of moral education in W. Germany. The authors are clear about the ways which should be chosen and the issues which should be dealt with if moral education is to meet the tasks and challenges posed by modern society and by problems of democracy, peace, and ecology. Nevertheless, they are sceptical whether these will be attempted by moral education in W. Germany.

Education for Peace as a Dimension of Inter-religious Education: Preconditions and Outlines

In global perspectives each country will have to think about difficulties and chances for interfaith dialogue and inter-religious education from specific historically grown conditions. In my view the theoretical framework should be a “Hermeneutics of mutual recognition and truthfulness” (Nipkow, 1989, Vol. 2), based on an open-minded respect to the other side and simultaneously a clear account of the own religious tradition and resulting existing differences. The kind of learning afforded is “a learning through differences towards greater communalities” in view of growing up. The issues will be dealt with philosophically, theologically and educationally, special attention being given to the question of truth.