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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Moral Neuroeducation, Ethics of Justice and Pluralism

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In order to design a model of moral neuroeducation for pluralistic and democratic societies three core issues need to be addressed in-depth: firstly, the cerebral basis of moral behaviour (neuroethics); secondly, how neuroscientific knowledge can be engaged in the teaching of moral education (moral neuroeducation); and finally, the specific ethical model underpinning this area of education (moral and political philosophy). The last of these three issues is the focus of this chapter, as it is fundamental to the whole project of moral neuroeducation, and it structures the approach to moral neuroeducation proposed in this chapter. Drawing on the conceptual framework of Adela Cortina’s ethics of cordial reason and Habermas and Apel’s ethical discourse, the crucial importance of creating a “liberal dimension” for neuroeducation, in a Rawlsian sense of the term “liberalism”, is underscored. Any possible suspicion that moral neuroeducation may give rise to indoctrination is countered by emphatically stating that this form of education is exclusively concerned with the universal norms and principles shared by each and every citizen living in pluralistic societies.