Abstract
Citizenship education is a complex matter, and not least the place of civic virtues in it. This is illustrated by a consideration of the civic virtue of gratitude. Two conceptions of gratitude are explored. Gratitude seen as a debt is examined and Kant’s exposition of it, including his objections to a person’s getting himself into the position where he has to show gratitude as a beneficiary, is explored. An alternative conception of gratitude as recognition is developed. This, it is claimed, has more relevance to the kind of gratitude it would be appropriate for citizens of a democratic state to feel. The educational implications of these views are indicated.
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White, P. Gratitude, Citizenship and Education. Studies in Philosophy and Education 18, 43–52 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005183220317
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005183220317