School curriculum — Should religion be taught in schools? Statement: Should religion be taught in our schools? Arguments: I. No. Ours is a secular state. II. Yes. Teaching religion helps inculcate moral values among children. III. No. We want the young generation to focus on the 21st century.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Only II is strong

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question examines arguments about including “religion” in schooling. The crux is not proselytizing but whether structured learning about religions (or ethical traditions) can build values. We test which arguments are broadly reasoned and policy-relevant.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • “Secular” in India permits neutrality among faiths; it does not forbid teaching about religions or ethics in a non-proselytizing manner.
  • Values education (tolerance, compassion, integrity) can be drawn from comparative religion/ethics curricula.
  • Preparing for the 21st century includes citizenship, ethics, and intercultural understanding.


Concept / Approach:
We distinguish between preaching a faith (not acceptable in secular schools) and teaching about religions/ethics (acceptable and beneficial if neutral). Arguments that confuse this difference are weak.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Argument I: “We are a secular state” is not, by itself, a reason to oppose neutral instruction about religions and ethics. Secularism requires fairness, not silence. Hence, I is weak as framed.Argument II: Strong. Properly designed curricula on religions/ethics can cultivate moral values, empathy, and civic harmony—clear educational goals.Argument III: Weak. Invoking the 21st century does not show why values/ethics education is harmful; if anything, global citizenship skills are part of modern preparation.


Verification / Alternative check:
Many secular systems teach comparative religion, philosophy, or ethics to promote social cohesion, demonstrating II’s practical merit.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only I is strong / Only I and III: rely on a misunderstanding of secularism and a vague future-facing claim.
  • All strong / None strong: misclassify II and/or treat all arguments as equivalent.


Common Pitfalls:
Equating “teaching religion” with proselytizing; the policy issue is content design and neutrality, not blanket exclusion.



Final Answer:
Only II is strong

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