To Educate Towards Values – But What Values? Axiological Dilemmas of Education
To Educate Towards Values – But What Values? Axiological Dilemmas of Education

Summary/Abstract: In the simplest terms, the concept of value may be defined as something that is important and valuable to a person. The presented paper provides some reflection on the essence of value and its various understandings and indicates methods of educating young people towards the highest, social, and positive utilitarian values. The fact is, however, that in the modern world the prevailing values, especially among young people, are hedonism and focus on one’s own well-being, benefits, possession of valuable things and comfort of life.This paper discusses the reasons why young people prefer the above values and at the same time points to the dilemmas of teachers, namely, what values should students be guided towards, so that they do not suffer any harm when confronted with the contemporary reality of the world of adults. Should young people be directed towards higher values, if that may make them vulnerable to others especially those who want to use them for their own purposes? Or, should they rather be taught to be uncompromising, to stand up for themselves, which will help them achieve success in their professional and social life? The fact is, however, that hardly any educator will resign from leading students towards the highest values. So, the real question is: How to conduct moral and ethical education of students at the same time helping them prepare for the realities of the modern world? This paper attempts to make recommendations aimed at reconciling these two areas of education.

• Details
• Contents