University of Sydney – “Meet the Expert” | Philosophy workshop for teachers: Preaching Ethics v. Teaching Ethics

The “Meet the Expert” series is our new initiative co-hosted in collaboration with the NSW Department of Education. This program brings academic leaders and high school teachers together to openly explore what it means to teach in this field today. Through meaningful dialogue, shared insights, and real-world perspectives, the series aims to strengthen connections between schools and the University, encourage reflective practice, and spark fresh ideas that can inspire future learners. In this workshop, you will hear from Professor Luke Russell and Associate Professor Samuel Shpall from our Discipline of Philosophy as they explore the following: Are we teaching students what to think – or how to think? This workshop dives into the tension between preaching and teaching ethics. We’ll examine whether neutrality is desirable (or even possible!) and experiment with methods that can help students evaluate moral claims rigorously, without turning the classroom into a one-way moral monologue.