Description
Book SynopsisSchool leaders are constantly challenged by diverse students and conflicting interests between faculty and staff. They are often called upon to make sense of ethical quagmires, where rules might conflict with desired outcomes or personal values clash with professional obligations. Negotiating these dilemmas can be challenging, but democratic ethics can offer an effective process to work through them. Drawing from the writings of John Dewey, Leading Through the Quagmire advocates his notion that democracy is an appropriate response to the multitude of conflicting interests, needs, and values in educational settings. Moreover, Enomoto and Kramer propose an inquiry method to harness democratic ethics for engaging in fair deliberation and conflict resolution. This book provides the foundation for understanding tensions, as well as the methods and applications to navigate through them. Stories and examples are provided to enable readers to understand such terms as utilitarianism, ethical tensions, religious attitudes, and eco-feminism in meaningful ways.
Trade ReviewThis text is well organized and should be required reading for all who lead, or aspire to lead, schools. Anyone who wants to make a positive impact on school environments will gain from reading it. Highly recommended. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Introduction Part 2 Part I: Foundations Chapter 3 Ethical Foundations Chapter 4 Ethical Tension, Judgment, and Consequences Chapter 5 Religion and Religious Attitudes Chapter 6 Feminist Ethics and Beyond Part 7 Part II: Methods Chapter 8 John Dewey and Democratic Leadership Chapter 9 An Inquiry Method for Working Ethical Dilemmas Part 10 Part III: Applications Chapter 11 Cases to Consider Chapter 12 Teaching Ethical Deliberation