The Honesty in thai Society today and a Conscience Examination a Case Study of st. Louis College, Bangkok

Abstract

This research aims 1) To study the situation of Catholic students in the examination of conscience and the virtue of honesty in contemporary Thai society  2) To propose guidelines for the promotion of the virtue of honesty according to the Church in Catholic Institutions of higher education. The data was gathered from 16 Catholic students of St. Louis College and 6 resource persons. The research methodology was semi-structured interview and topics for group discussion.

The study results were as follows:

1. The students’ real situation on the virtue of honesty Most Catholic students valued the virtue of honesty because :

              1.1 Catholic families often form and instruct their children to be honest and hold fast to God.

              1.2 Catholic institutions of education emphasize the teaching of virtue and ethics.

              1.3 Faith and religious teaching are passed on through the good life and example of priests, religious and catechists.

              1.4 Catholic students behave as examples for others because their action can give witness for those who see them.

1. The guidelines to promote the virtue of honesty for the Church in Catholic Institutions are as followed:

              2.1 Good examples from administrators in academic institutions would allow students to appropriate the honesty they can see. In this way, honesty would be practiced so that it would become a good habit.

              2.2 Problems should be discussed through reasonable questioning. This give the superior an opportunity to explain reasons for his/her action.

              2.3 Punishment should be done with love so that the one punished would realize that they are not hated but loved and the punishment is well-intentioned.

              2.4 Awards and recognitions should be given to good students to encourage them to have a good attitude and confidence to do good things regularly.

              2.5 Conversations between executives and students and between instructors and students would improve their relationship and closeness. Good feelings would be fostered like those between Jesus Christ and his disciples.

              2.6 Ethical attitudes should be promoted in students by consistent formation of virtue and morality, so that all students could integrate their intellect and their action.

              2.7 Good attitude and understanding toward extracurricular activities in the college should be fostered.