ABSTRACT
The formation of character could be said to be the aim that all general education has historically set out to achieve. Multiple forms of character formation have also made the concept difficult to fully capture, particularly when character is often defined as a broad based and unspecific entity. Character formation is an umbrella term that involves all implicit and explicit educational activities that build the character of people. There are a range of hegemonic models of character formation that include fascist, Marxist, authoritarian and nationalist constructs, but the author restrict this model description to the Marxist conception. Once again there are a number of theological models of character formation including Jewish, Christian, Muslim and other religions, but the model described restricts itself to the Christian idea of character formation. Republican-liberal virtues, such as civility, tolerance and open-mindedness, are considered essential for self-governing citizens and for a healthy democracy in this model.
