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In this final lesson, students reflect on what they have learned to create a personal guide for their own behavior.
Imagine you are the captain of a ship caught in a thick fog. How do you know which way to turn without hitting the rocks? Your 'Character Code' is like a personal compass that helps you make the right choice, even when the path ahead is blurry.
Before you can build a code, you need to know your virtues. A virtue is a positive quality or 'superpower' of your personality. Think of virtues like the ingredients in a recipe for a good person. Common virtues include honesty (telling the truth), responsibility (doing what you say you will do), and empathy (understanding how others feel).
In philosophy, we often look at the 'Character Equation':
This means it isn't enough to just think about being good; you have to put those thoughts into motion. Your character is the sum of all the choices you make every single day.
Quick Check
What is the definition of a 'virtue' in your own words?
Answer
A virtue is a positive quality or a 'superpower' of someone's personality, like honesty or kindness.
A Code of Ethics is a list of rules that you choose for yourself. Unlike school rules or laws, these are promises you make to yourself about how you will treat others and how you will act when no one is watching.
To keep your code effective, you should follow the 'Rule of Five.' If you have too many rules, you might forget them! Aim for rules, where is the number of rules in your code. Each rule should start with an action word. For example, instead of just saying 'Kindness,' your rule might be: 'Always look for a way to help someone who looks lonely.'
Let's turn a single virtue into a clear rule for a Character Code: 1. Pick a Virtue: Responsibility. 2. Identify a Situation: Doing homework or chores. 3. Write the Rule: 'I will finish my important tasks before I turn on any screens.' 4. Check: Is it clear? Yes. Is it an action? Yes.
Quick Check
Why is it better to have 3 to 5 rules instead of 20 rules?
Answer
Having fewer rules makes them easier to remember and follow every day.
The hardest part of having a code isn't writing it—it's practicing it. Philosophers believe that character is like a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. This is called habituation.
When you face a tough choice, ask yourself: 'Does this action follow my code?' If your code says 'Be Brave,' and you see someone being bullied, your code tells you to speak up or get help. By following your code during small moments, you prepare yourself for the big, difficult moments in life.
Imagine your code includes the rule: 'I will be honest, even when it is embarrassing.' 1. The Event: You accidentally ate your sibling's favorite snack. 2. The Temptation: You could stay quiet and let them think the dog did it. 3. The Code Application: You remember your rule about honesty. 4. The Action: You tell your sibling the truth and offer to share your next snack with them.
Imagine your code is: 1. Be fair. 2. Work hard. 3. Stay calm.
In a group project, one partner isn't doing any work. 1. Analyze: If you do all the work, you aren't being 'fair' to yourself. If you yell, you aren't 'staying calm.' 2. Apply: You decide to have a calm conversation with the partner, explaining that the workload needs to be split equally so it is fair for everyone.
Which of these is the best example of a 'rule' for a Character Code?
According to the 'Rule of Five,' how many rules should your code ideally have?
Character is something you are born with and it can never change.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to name the three virtues you chose for your code without looking at your notes.
Practice Activity
Write your 3-5 rules on a small piece of paper and tape it to your bathroom mirror or inside your school notebook to see it every day.