Response to Berkowitz' extended book review: ‘Introducing the complexity of character education: A review of Understanding character education: Approaches, applications and issues’

This response to the review of Understanding Character Education: Approaches, Applications and Issues primarily addresses two main criticisms offered by Berkowitz. First, we offer comment on the conceptual definitions of ‘character’ and ‘character education’. We acknowledge the need for greater clarity regarding definitions in the field, explaining how the book’s purpose and intended audience guided the introduction of key terms in Chapter 1. Second, we consider the role of extrinsic motivators within character education approaches. We agree with Berkowitz that intrinsic motivation is central to the acquisition of virtue, but caveat this by suggesting that extrinsic motivators can initially play a facilitatory role.