A Study on the Principles of Curriculum Development and Practice of Character Education Based on Hume's 'A Treatise of Human Nature'

Abstract

Character education has been emphasized on education in South Korea. This trend emphasizes the accountabilities of nation, public institutions and school in character education. This study researches the principles of curriculum development and practice of character education on Hume’s 󰡔A Treatise of Human Nature󰡕. The research results are as follows: First is the principle of emotion. That is, student's emotion should be considered in character education. Hume argued that the cause of moral behavior is passion. Therefore, emotion should be considered importantly when developing character education. Second is the principle of habit. Habit is the strong motive of moral behavior. Third is the principle of empathy. Hume's empathy is social one. It is not individual empathy. Social empathy includes humanity, fellow-feeling, benevolence etc. The last one is the principle of proximity. When students learn contents which are close to them they are motivated, learn easily, and sympathize with them.