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RE: Schools don't teach moral relativism.
Stealing is *never* justifiable--nor is killing, lying, cheating, or any other action that defies the rules. This standpoint takes us into a big problem. Ignoring the consequences of actions doesn't allow us to justify lying to protect others or any other action that breaks the rules but minimizes harm. For example, what if we were in an office and someone is looking to harm one of our coworkers. If that person requests that you divulge the location of your coworker, do you tell them the truth? What if lying guarantees that your coworker will not be harmed?
RE: Schools don't teach moral relativism.
As a teacher (10 years), and an atheist, I find what you are describing inappropriate for a public school classroom. I've never seen provided curriculum that went there. That one teacher may be doing it doesn't mean it's "what is taught in public schools".
I can see some teachers using that and having the discussion, but they should know to not argue the opinion of the student when it comes to a moral stance.
Your community needs to spend more time at school.
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RE: Schools don't teach moral relativism.
Oftentimes it is considered a sign of intellectual maturity in children, when they consider other things than rules and consequences to evaluate the merit of an action. This is not to say that one can't legitimately say that stealing is wrong regardless of the outcome, but the critical thought that is associated with questioning rules is what the teacher was probably trying to encourage.
Sorry, but unfortunately that is not the case, the story emphasized the fact that the child (teen ager actually) was stealing food because he was hungry, and rather than work for it, prefered to steal. I was able to read the short story (procured from a teacher acquaintance who also disagrees with the curriculum), and the associated discovery questions, as well as the teachers guide. The questions are 'intended to foster discussion of unfair and unjust rules in society' and 'the only correct answer to the the question of whether or not the theft was right or wrong is that it is a justifiable action, much like any other action that defies the rules.'
Stealing is *never* justifiable--nor is killing, lying, cheating, or any other action that defies the rules. There are other actions one can take that do not involve stealing. Taking something of value from a shopkeeper deprives that shopkeeper of not only the item, but also of any potential income.
Critical thinking is one thing, but trying to coerce a small child into thinking that any action that goes against the rules is 'justifiable'--that's moral relativism in a nutshell. Your action may be ok, depending on the circumstances? Better that the boy in the story ask the shopkeeper if he could sweep the floor, or unload a truck, or some other action in exchange for either food or wages. THAT is being upright and responsible. That, however, isn't the correct answer.
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