THE PROBLEM OF VALUES IN FRENCH SCHOOLS T ODAY

Since the 1960s the French public school system has virtually abandone d the attempt to teach moral values, leaving students morally disorien ted. The author finds this situation profoundly unhealthy and argues t hat schools have a responsibility to help in developing the ability of pupils to make moral choices and act accordingly. He rejects the rati onalist view that science makes traditional morality unnecessary. At t he same time, he recognizes the moral value of the scientific respect of truth and objectivity. He argues for a form of moral education whic h would inculcate respect for different points of view, cultural norms and religious beliefs, and which would not shy away from addressing m orally important issues such as drug abuse, violence, sexuality, socia l justice, poverty, racism and environmental pollution.