Education Based on Ethical Values: a Condition for the Articulation of Society and Education

Abstract

The dynamics of social thought, when oriented towards the discussion on higher education, should consider two conceptual elements: 1) the development that defines the pedagogical performance in terms of ethics, equity, quality, relevant and effective learning, reflective educational practices of teachers that are based on dialogue and 2) social thought, which should be the guide of educational work towards what and for what to teach. Both concepts should guarantee inclusive and equitable quality higher education; likewise, promote lifelong learning opportunities related to ethics for all students of different ages and institutional level. Today, academics from different universities and careers from various Latin American countries agree that some ethical behaviors have been absent in university education , in student groups and also in some teachers. "Since the end of the last century to date, higher education entities have been oriented by economic necessity towards the sale of services and internationalization, which raises an ethical debate, in relation to the mission of universities" (Enríquez-2020) . This paper tries to understand the reason for such a comment, and leads the authors to reflect and ask themselves the following questions: do higher education entities plan education in values ​​with serious, formal and objective criteria? Do universities consider moral and social education as the main axis around which a series of diverse topics revolve in a transversal manner, such as equal opportunities, critical evaluation of the prevailing values ​​in society, teaching guidelines for respect for the environment? and the importance of sustainable development is highlighted, among others? Having made these questions and comments, The researchers feel the need to promote in universities and in professors who work in higher education, a commitment to the ethical training they provide, that they practice by example in their professional work, so that they become a reference for the student and form citizens capable of developing and participating productively in a more just and equitable society, based on the training and higher education received in values.