By Dr David Civil, Research Fellow, and Joe McDowell, Engagement Officer, The Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues We are often told that we live in polarised times. Citizens with different political views and communities with different ideals are often regarded as enemies to be vanquished rather than as fellow citizens with legitimate perspectives to … Continue reading “Volunteering And Service For A Common Good”
Tag: virtues
Friendship in the age of social media: Friend-collectors and well-wishers
By Dr Katy Dineen, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham What does friendship mean in a world of clicks, likes, emojis and pokes? The idea of a ‘friend’ is becoming increasingly unrecognizable; from a noun denoting some form of sanctuary, sympathy and simpatico to a verb conferring social status (or, … Continue reading “Friendship in the age of social media: Friend-collectors and well-wishers”
Should we still ‘marvel’ at comic book heroes?
By Michael Fullard, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham I can only hope that the thousands of fans attending the current Comic-Con convention, and the millions of other fans around the world, ‘marvel’ at these superheroes not only because of their extraordinarily feats of strength or speed, but because of … Continue reading “Should we still ‘marvel’ at comic book heroes?”
A little less ‘Ego’ and a little more humility
By Dr Catherine Darnell, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham The antidote for egotism may therefore be a humble one; rather than deny our limitations, take ownership of them, seek ways to improve them, listen to different points of view, acknowledge alternative conclusions and be ready to repeat this all again. … Continue reading “A little less ‘Ego’ and a little more humility”
Star Wars Day: Virtues in a Galaxy, far far away…
By Jason Metcalfe, Research Associate Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham Star Wars resonated with a worldwide audience, and there is no doubt this was due to the array of moral and spiritual elements present throughout the films. For those out of the loop, May 4th is Star Wars Day, selected as … Continue reading “Star Wars Day: Virtues in a Galaxy, far far away…”
Happiness: What Does this Mean in Education?
By Paul Watts, Research Fellow Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue, University of Birmingham Much attention has been given to the concept of happiness, both in the UK and internationally, with Theresa May appointing a minister to tackle loneliness, the launch of the 2018 World Happiness Report, and the work of the Ministry of State … Continue reading “Happiness: What Does this Mean in Education?”
Random Acts of Kindness: Displaying Moral Character or the Pursuit of Likes?
By Aidan Thompson, Director of Strategy and Integration Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtue, University of Birmingham “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention”. Saturday 17 February 2018 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, where people are encouraged to perform acts of kindness either at random, or for random … Continue reading “Random Acts of Kindness: Displaying Moral Character or the Pursuit of Likes?”
Morality: what it is and how to teach it
By Michael Hand, Professor of Philosophy and Education School of Education, University of Birmingham Schools in England are legally required to promote the moral development of pupils. But what exactly does this involve? Most people agree that morality is important and needs to be taught, but when it comes to saying what it is and … Continue reading “Morality: what it is and how to teach it”