Moral Principles in Education by John Dewey

John Dewey made an extensive effort to establish that the "moral" responsibilities of a school is not merely limited to inculcating ethics and good conduct, but also in fostering the ability of a child to eventually become a good and productive member of the society.

He analyzed that society is, in the very first place, constantly changing and evolving:
"New inventions, new machines, new methods of transportation and intercourse are making over the whole scene of action year by year. It is an absolute impossibility to educate the child for any fixed station in life. So far as education is conducted unconsciously or consciously on this basis, it results in fitting the future citizen for no station in life, but makes him a drone, a hanger-on, or an actual retarding influence in the onward movement. Instead of caring for himself and for others, he becomes one who has himself to be cared for. Here, too, the ethical responsibility of the school on the social side must be interpreted in the broadest and freest spirit; it is equivalent to that training of the child which will give him such possession of himself that he may take charge of himself; may not only adapt himself to the changes that are going on, but have the power to shape and direct them."