The concept of spiritual and moral development and personality education

Where does the education and development of modern society begin?

Several theoretical developments have been created regarding personality formation. In psychology, everyone applies, since no single solution has been found. Let us consider these approaches in detail in terms of understanding the beginning of the development process of each member of society.

Psychoanalytic theory considers development to be an adaptation of the biological essence of people to society. The individual develops defense mechanisms and agrees on methods for satisfying needs.
The doctrine of personality traits presupposes their formation during life. They are transformed according to laws that do not directly depend on biology.
Social learning theory is the development of ways to interact with other people. In the process, personality is formed and developed.
There are also humanistic, phenomenological theories that describe the formation of the “I”.

So, first, human consciousness begins to form in one environment or another. Social environment as the initial condition for the direction of development. The integrative concept of development considers the integrated person as a whole, applying various teachings and approaches. Both systemic and interdependent improvement are taken into account, attention is paid to each side of the human “I”. A representative of such a concept is the theory of E. Erikson, an American psychologist. He assumed that the formation and development of personality goes through stages predetermined genetically. These stages reflect a person's entire life.

Their alternation is marked by changes in the inner world and relationships with the environment. Each stage brings something new that is unique to it. Moreover, for this to happen, prerequisites must have been formed in the past, certain behavior and psychology must have developed. This is how personality develops, during which not only good but also bad qualities appear. In E. Erikson’s display, only two lines are highlighted along which the formation and development of personality takes place. The first is the norm, the second is an anomaly. In strictly this form they practically do not exist, but they include all intermediate variations.

Erikson indicated 8 life crises that are inevitable for everyone

Taking into account all possible critical moments, the moral development and education of the individual goes through 8 age stages corresponding to them.

Trust or distrust in 1 year of existence.
The age of up to 3 years is characterized by the acquisition of autonomy against doubts and constraints.
The emergence of initiative, balancing guilt (up to 6 years).
Hard work, which arises as a way to overcome feelings of inferiority (up to 12 years).
Self-determination versus uninteresting personality (under 18 years old).
Sociability with elements of intimacy instead of isolation (up to 20 years).
From 30 to 60 years of age, a person tries not to “immerse himself in himself”, but to engage in the education of generations and care.

After 60 years, a person should not come to despair, but to contentment.

The child communicates with adults. If he is surrounded by love, trust appears. And when requests are ignored or neglected, mistrust arises, like a trait. Next, the preconditions for striving for society or withdrawing from it are formed.
By the age of 3, self-confidence and independence are formed. While still dependent on adults, the child develops insecurity and doubt in his abilities if the nature of communication with his parents is not conducive to the norm.
Stages 3 and 4 - the emergence of curiosity, interest and activity (from 3 to 11 years). A love of activity and communication skills emerge. In the anomalous course of events, spiritual self-development comes to passivity, indifference to others, and a feeling of inferiority.
At the fifth stage (up to 20 years), personality is determined according to guidelines. Negative spiritual self-development can manifest itself in the form of confusion of roles, both gender and social. Knowing yourself occurs at the expense of creating relationships with the outside world.
In the period from 20 to 45 years, personal life is realized. In case of failure comes isolation from other people, unpredictability, and promiscuity in relationships.
Stage No. 7 is dedicated to the creative life of a mature person. The abnormal line manifests itself in the form of selfishness, lack of productivity at work, and may be accompanied by diseases,
After 60 years, a person weighs and evaluates the life he has lived, which can be realized either by satisfaction or by realizing the meaninglessness of the path traveled.

Commonalities in different concepts

All concepts (not only E. Erikson) highlight the importance of study and work during periods when the spiritual and moral development of the individual begins. The position of our domestic scientists is different in that a growing person should develop cognitive skills, and not qualities associated with future activities. That is, activity, initiative, or it will be passivity, reluctance to work, an inferiority complex in the event of negative developments.

The condition for development in adulthood, according to E. Erikson, is the acquisition of new social roles. In this case, the anomalous line of events is presented in the form of pathologies, although it could be described in other forms.

Spiritual component

History proves the great importance of education in social development. At the same time, morality and spirituality are part of the worldview. Responsibility appears, the nobility of the individual is formed. The resulting values unite people, which becomes the basis for the stability of individual life and the state. Where to start spiritual transformation? It is necessary to take into account that the state of people’s inner life is no less important than the progress and improvement of the entire society, the pace of which depends on:

civil position of each member;
will and motivation;
life values;
beliefs about morality, norms and ethics.

Spiritual values are an important condition, in the presence of which moral development and education of the individual can be successfully carried out. During this process, the interaction between teachers and students forms a harmonious person.

Where to start spiritual development: main directions

When developing a personality, awareness of the value system of both moral and national order is required. These include the basic norms and standards that apply in relations between people, within the family, and within society. As well as principles, criteria for understanding good and evil, the ability to distinguish truth from lies. Where to start with spiritual and moral education? Scientist V.I. Pavlov indicated the following directions.

Formation of a sense of duty and responsibility.
Moral character: patience, mercy.
Attitude, ability to distinguish between good and evil, willingness to overcome life's problems.
Behavior: ability to reason, will.

The social environment, as a condition for the development of a harmonious personality, is important. Therefore, ensuring it is a key goal of the state policy of the Russian Federation. An appropriate environment ensures spiritual progress. It will be more comfortable for a person if it does not condemn him for certain views. Therefore, the worldview should be similar, which will add motivation to the process of personal improvement. In difficult moments, a properly created environment helps to cope with problems. Finding a mentor is also an important focus. Having a high spiritual level, he will point out mistakes and give advice on development.

The main goal of spiritual self-development

Those who want to engage in self-improvement often face a number of problems. Some people lack money, others experience discord in their relationships. Still others do not have sufficient health. But difficulties push a person to improve the organization of his life. The spiritual and moral development of people and the education of the individual have the main goal of understanding the nature of the individual. As well as establishing or restoring relationships with the environment in which he lives. This is usually a long but important process that gives meaning to all activities.

Spiritual practice is the basis of self-awareness

The development of human spirituality and morality becomes complete and becomes relevant when implemented in life. The social environment, as an environment, is filled with problems that require moral choice in solving them. Daily spiritual practice frees the consciousness from material dependencies and false values. The result is improvement and progress.

Patriotism is also love

Patriotic education is more concerned with school age, when one becomes aware of the traditions of one’s people – cultural and religious. The education of will plays a significant role in this - in sports games.

Anton Makarenko said: “For me, the question did not arise: should my pupil emerge as a brave man, or should I raise a coward? Here I assumed the “standard” that everyone should be brave, courageous, hardworking, patriotic.” There is also a well-known phrase attributed to Saltykov-Shchedrin: “They began to push on patriotism. Apparently they stole."

The phrase “To be a patriot means to love the Motherland” sounds very cliched because the word “love” is often interpreted too broadly. Love is precisely an active quality that does not allow inaction. It is expressed in self-sacrifice, in serving not one’s private interests, but higher ones - one’s family and one’s people.

Patriotism is associated with a sober view of the problems of one’s country, city and home; and with responsibility for their decisions. In the education of patriotism, the personality of the teacher plays an exceptional role. Especially in history, literature and the arts. And the main problem again is hypocrisy.

The most famous speech in favor of the poor was made by none other than Judas Iscariot, when he was indignant at the waste of expensive aromatic oil on a woman anointing the head of Jesus two days before the crucifixion. Then he was indignant: “Why such a waste? One could sell this ointment for a high price and give it to the poor,” but, as it is said, “not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief.” And he betrayed Jesus Christ for the money taken by the conspiratorial priests from the temple treasury (just money for charity).

It is best to explain to children that there are malicious people who play with holy feelings for their own benefit while they are learning the school curriculum. One of the best examples for this is the novel War and Peace. The brilliant Leo Tolstoy illustrates all kinds of manifestations of patriotism in contrast to the stupidity and cowardice of careerists.

Napoleon sacrificed the well-being of the French empire and millions of destinies as a sacrifice to personal ambitions, just like Hitler (and the present time is also not peaceful). Children need to be explained this before adolescence.

Moral

The effectiveness of educational programs largely depends on the example of the teacher. His moral value is determined by the standards and norms of morality that guide him in the course of professional implementation, as well as by behavior. The teacher’s attitude towards work, their students, and colleagues is of great importance. The morality of the teacher in the formation of socially mature individuals predetermines their choice of spiritual tradition.

Promoting self-determination, developing students' abilities, and imparting knowledge are required for socialization. But by themselves they do not form sufficient prerequisites for free self-improvement. A person must have the ability to distinguish between good and evil, value work, family, society and others. Morality, which arises on the basis of correct example, helps protect the consciousness from deformation.

Basic values of modern society

Citizens who accept not only universal human values, but also national foundations, follow them using the concepts of law-abidingness and order. Thanks to this position of members of society, resources appear for the financial and social development of the country. As well as ensuring the quality of public relations and activities. The Constitution of the Russian Federation states that the highest value is the person himself, his rights and freedoms. In this case, the individual bears the same responsibilities as others.

We should not forget how important the relationship between the physical and spiritual development of an individual is. Types of activity, choice of activities for its implementation, motivation, sports build confidence and self-esteem. The harmonious correspondence of the two types of education helps a person acquire immunity to stress and determination.

Goals and tactical tasks of educating a civic personality

The development of spirituality and morality for the education system is a goal of primary importance. In this multifaceted process, society’s resources are directed towards education:

citizenship;
activity;
responsibility;
ability to create relationships with various social institutions.

Education performs a key function in the formation of spirituality and morality. The goal is to create a cohesive society capable of meeting the challenges of implementing this concept. By strengthening solidarity, a significant level of trust in fellow citizens, the country and its future life is established. Personal values also develop in families and teams.

Environmental aspect

Regardless of morality and ethics, each of us will need clean water and air throughout our lives. A hundred years ago, caring for nature was generally accepted. During Soviet times, an earlier idea of conquering nature was embodied. In fact, there was a war with nature, which was most clearly manifested in the insane project of diverting part of the rivers of Siberia to Central Asia. And at present the situation as a whole is very alarming.

Environmental education helps to realize oneself as a part of nature and responsibility for it. Man is not the king of nature, to whom it owes something, but rather the master on whom everything depends. Educators are able to find examples of beautiful solutions for energy saving and waste-free production and anti-examples of exploitative, parasitic use of natural resources.

In aesthetic categories, it is easy to explain to children the ugliness of landfills and the imperfection of consumer attitudes towards nature. In addition, children love observation - helping to grow plants, care for animals and see the results over time, as well as participating in environmental education lessons. The main thing is to pay attention to this and not act contrary to your words: take advantage of the opportunity to donate light bulbs and batteries, refuse unnecessary car trips (especially short ones) and always pick up trash after yourself.

Scripture Study

When considering the questions of where to start spiritual self-development, as well as how it will happen, it is necessary not only to understand the purpose of this process. You need to choose directions, including religion and choice of religion. It is also necessary to create an appropriate environment and engage in recommended spiritual practice. The Holy Scriptures point to this. When studying them, one should not forget about development in the physiological sphere.