Thanks for the question!
My belief in supporting people out of feeling of moral duty, rather than compulsion, is something that I view as important in all areas of life. This is particularly pertinent with regards to helping students, who, for a number of reasons, will inevitably struggle (academically or pastorally) from time to time. This is something I strive to do - to help others.
I also hold the ability to talk with and debate people you disagree with as an important value. Within our subjects this is particularly important - to truly listen and try to understand other people's arguments, and avoid caricaturing them. This is important to me because it allows a deeper understanding of the way people think, which is crucial academically and socially. It is though understanding other people's world-view that we enhance our own!
Closely linked to debate is my third 'core value': tolerance. I firmly believe that even if you disagree with someone or something, you should portray your arguments respectfully and clearly. This does not mean people who hold controversial or unpopular views should keep quiet - quite the contrary. I believe these views should be expressed, but in a way that is respectful, tolerant and in a way that (other than where unavoidable) evades causing offence or hurt. This is important within our multi-cultural, free society, where different people inevitably have different views on politics, gender, religion, and much more. I believe that by sticking to this value of tolerance in debate, and society more widely, we can take the controversialist nature out of many of the issues we discuss and face today.
If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch, or ask another question!
Best,
Jaden
This question was also asked to Alice ChadwickAnswered by Jaden on 20/02/21 19:19