Nixon suggests that the way forward is a ‘new Aristotelianism’ (2004...

Nixon suggests that the way forward is a ‘new Aristotelianism’ (2004:115) informed by both the Socratic idea of negative wisdom and the moral imperative to take the ‘right action’. Negative wisdom involves the questioning of false assumptions and therefore involvement in rational debate, whereas the ‘right action’ implies involvement in social and community issues and living a ‘good’ life. Combining these two notions suggest that a ‘good’ life can be lived despite the lack of moral certainties.

Within this notion, learning is associated with agency and social engagement. Students need to practise social and moral responsibility through engaging with others in learning about their world, rather than learn about citizenship issues in theory. Pedagogies that promote rational debate and reflection need to be promoted in the context of exploring social and moral issues in ‘real life’ contexts. In this way learning becomes the medium for social engagement and participation. Previous…