FOR THE GOOD OF HUMANKIND - MATCHING THE BUDDING TALENT WITH A CURRICULUM OF CONSCIENCE

For most of this century, educators have debated the types of differen t curriculum highly able students require in order to realize their co ntribution to self and society (Gallagher et al., 1969; Marland, 1971; Milne, 1979; Passow, 1958, 1979, 1985; Renzulli, 1982; Tannenbaum, 19 79; Tomlinson, 1995; Ward, 1961). Wherein lies the inspiration for the kind of human endeavor that talent development and, ultimately, creat ive expression engender? This paper traces the rationale for the devel opment and unique talents to the eminent philosopher William James (19 02) and suggests a relationship between this highly personal process a nd the maturity of one's ethos, or ethical world view. Is one element of talent development, ethical behavior, to benefit humankind? If so, what types of curricular opportunities do we need to provide bright, t alented children and youth to stretch their current boundaries, to cha llenge them as they need to be challenged, and to stimulate them to us e their creativity productively to make their world a better place?