Education Mission Impossible
Mission Impossible? Education and Formation in a Pluralistic Society
6:30pm
Thursday, 23 May 2019
The Crypt, St Mary's Cathedral, St Marys Road, Sydney NSW
Many educational institutions in Western societies owe a large part of their history to the Church’s endeavour to provide opportunities for human flourishing and formation in the pursuit of truth. Yet today, Catholic educational institutions are faced with the task of undertaking their mission within a pluralistic society whilst still genuinely reflecting Catholic faith and values. To what extent should the content of curriculum be influenced by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition? Are educational practices always aimed at formation and if so, how is this achieved? Alongside curriculum issues, questions around policy development can arise for decision makers and subsequently affect staff in day to day practical interactions. Additionally, in the context of a pluralistic society, we might wonder whether an authentic Catholic mission is even possible.
In this presentation, Moral Philosopher Prof Sandra Lynch (The University of Notre Dame Australia) will explore important questions and propose practical steps institutions can take on academic freedom, self-reflexivity of policy-makers and other staff within educational institutions, as well as staff induction and the role of chaplaincy.
Registration is required at the link below.
www.satcathedral.org
Refreshments will be provided.
Sandra Lynch
Professor Sandra Lynch is founding Director of the Institute for Ethics and Society and Professor of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame Australia (Sydney campus). Professor Lynch is a moral philosopher, with expertise in applied and professional ethics, ethics and values education, the constitution of the self, friendship, critical thinking, and the intersection of philosophy and literature. Her most recent work has concentrated on responding to the need to deepen students’ active engagement in ethical discourse and to enrich their studies by including a focus on the demands of acting on one’s values in complex workplace and social settings. Her research into best practice in the teaching of ethics is underpinned by a commitment to ensuring that students develop the confidence and competence to contribute to the flourishing of their professions and of the societies of which they are part.
Scholarship at the Cathedral
Scholarship at the Cathedral is an initiative of the Sydney Archdiocese in partnership with The Institute for Ethics and Society of The University of Notre Dame Australia. This presentation is part of a 2019 series of public lectures with eminent intellectuals, both Australian and international at St Mary's Cathedral.