In the past, the subject was only available as a third subject for secondary school teachers. With the new course, the KU is setting an example for the professionalization and strengthening of philosophical education in schools. "Philosophy means learning how find orientation in the practice of thought", explains philosophy professor Imke von Maur. "The rapid development of artificial intelligence in particular is making the decisive difference in terms of critical thinking skills, genuine understanding and the ability to engage in discourse." The philosopher emphasizes the importance of a holistic education for prospective ethics teachers, in which the role of emotions and personal attitudes are central alongside theoretical knowledge. "Anyone who teaches ethics at school must be able to demonstrate an attitude – reflective, empathetic and strong in argumentation."
Ethics at secondary schools: A subject with a future and an attitude
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Ethics lessons make a key contribution to democratic education and promote the ability to perceive and reflect on different perspectives and enter into dialog. "Especially in times of social upheaval and uncertainty, the subject offers orientation and enables young people to deal with fundamental questions of values", emphasizes Katharina Zöpfl, research associate at the Chair of Philosophy.
With its central location in Bavaria, close integration of theory and practice and innovative service-learning projects, the KU offers ideal conditions for well-founded and practice-oriented ethics teacher training. Students benefit from intensive support and a lively exchange with local schools and educational institutions. "We are delighted to take on responsibility for the values education of future teachers and for ethics didactics that enables young people to critically reflect on and help shape social developments", says von Maur. In close cooperation with the Bavarian State Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, the KU is providing an important impetus for the sustainable expansion of ethics teaching in Bavaria with this new course.
It is possible to study ethics as a major subject for the secondary school teaching degree in combination with mathematics or English. The program does not have admission restrictions. Interested students can register for the 2025/26 winter semester between August 11 and October 2, 2025. Further information is available at: https://www.ku.de/studienangebot/ethik-lehramt