University Ethical Training: Elements for its Understanding and Application

In contemporary societies, there are a series of difficulties for the harmonious, just, and peaceful coexistence of citizens, and therefore, there is a necessity for future professionals with a solid ethical education, capable of offering solutions to current problems. Hence, the need arises to contribute to the integral formation and ethical values of university students. This chapter, based on a methodology of documentary analysis, seeks to contribute to the reflection on ethical education at the higher education level. First, it examines the regulative principle of this education at the University based on the development of students' autonomy and critical thinking. Second, it critiques the traditional behaviorist teaching, which would stimulate more of an indoctrination in values than an autonomous formation of subjects; and it analyzes the constructivist method as a more appropriate means for the holistic education of students. Third, it studies the institutional climate as a fundamental element for the development of ethics, with a view to generating a coherent dynamic between the institutional values and the values that are intended to be communicated to the educational community. In conclusion, based on what has been studied, two major challenges for university ethical training are presented.