The role of integrity in higher education

Abstract

This paper argues that virtue ethics, as prominently expressed in the philosophy of Aristotle, has a crucial role in education in general and higher education in particular. Virtue ethics, which initially emerged as a rival account to deontology and consequentialism, developed from dissatisfaction with the notions of duty and obligation and their central roles in understanding morality. It also grew out of an objection to the use of rigid moral rules and principles and their application to diverse and different moral situations. Virtue ethics is character-based. The article specifically focuses on the centrality of the virtue of integrity among teachers nd students in higher education. It therefore proposes shifting our attention from the ethical principles, rules, duties or obligations to virtues and character in promoting ethical behaviour.