Can ethics be taught?

The introduction of a substitute, alternative, or required elective course in ethics in the schools of most of the German Laender proceeds from the assumption that ethics can be taught. Ethics is conceived of in a wide sense, but primarily as a school subject meant to enable students to act and judge morally. In this study, which is based on a lecture read at a conference of experts held at the University of Dresden in November 1994, the author - from a sceptical, transcendental-critical point of view - discusses the question whether the expectations connected with this course are well-founded and which uncleared assumptions have been made and have led to the conclusion that ethics can be taught. It seems impossible to give a definitely positive answer to the question whether ethics are teachable.