Ethics & Responsibility
Mr. Gunn’s vision reached well into the 21st Century. His educational philosophy was rooted in the knowledge that strength of character would remain as a foundational element of excellent education. The Gunnery today requires of each of its students a course in applied ethics and ethical thinking. Our sophomores engage in various forms of discussion – debate, dialogue, and discourse around a wide range of the central issues of our time. Developing the skills essential to true engagement in informed discourse and learning to respect diverse belief systems are two outcomes of this course. In response to the Socratic injunction, “Know Thyself” each student explores her own personal moral code, tests it against critical issues and reflects upon its deeper meaning in their individual lives and as members of a learning community. The ideal of service to others is promoted through a consideration of individual and group responsibility. Questions of social justice are raised and explored.
Each student develops a personal statement of moral principles over the course of the term which they deliver to their class at the end of the term. These essays are compiled and archived so that in the years to come they can return to their school and re-read them gaining some insight into their own thinking during their Gunnery days.
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