Moral Inquiry in the Practice of Socioscientific Issues

As the concluding chapter for Part I, this chapter explores seminal and current research related to the SSI framework. It presents, in depth, how phronesis in the practice of moral inquiry may be reconceptualized in a neo-Aristotelian model connecting moral inquiry to moral action. It further explores moral inquiry both in the context of classroom teaching, place-based settings, as well as “blended approaches” making use of both kinds of experiences. It unpacks the links between empathetic dissonance, moral emotions, and moral motivation. Current research on socioscientific perspective taking is examined as well as how SSI-infused environmental units over the course of an academic year could still meet national, state standards and mandates. Part I, in its entirety, present a personal journal in the development and exploration of the SSI framework, concluding that journey with the beginning of a new one in Part II of this volume, which presents varied global perspectives about SSI and related constructs from scholars around the world. You are invited to be part of both of these excursions!