In the cool confines of Cincinnati's Avondale library basement, a group of teenagers is learning about ethics in an unconventional way—through the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. The University of Cincinnati has introduced a summer seminar called Ethics & Dragons, designed to blend the realms of fantasy with the study of moral reasoning as part of their University Honors Program. The course aims to help students develop critical thinking skills that are applicable in real-life situations.
Charitha Anamala, an undergrad in biomedical engineering at the university, has taken on the role of Dungeon Master in a fantastical setting of her own creation. According to a University of Cincinnati article, she finds the seminar a welcome departure from her typical coursework. She shared her thoughts on why the seminar is beneficial to students from a science and math background, stating, "I’ve always loved literature and the humanities, but as a science and math person, I don’t get a lot of opportunities day-to-day to engage my more creative side." Anamala went on to highlight the importance of philosophical engagement for those in scientific fields because "it’s so important for people in science to engage in philosophy. A lot of what we do directly connects with humanity." She added in jest that it's also nice to take a break from "staring at graphs and molecules all day."
The idea behind this program is not just to offer an escape but to use the collaborative storytelling and ethical dilemmas inherent in Dungeons & Dragons as a way to reflect on personal values and decision-making. Students participating in the program navigate challenges and make choices within the game that mirror complex moral conundrums. Through this format, facilitators hope to foster a nuanced understanding of ethics among participants.
As the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons has soared in recent years, the game has proven to be more than a pastime; it has become a medium through which players can explore personal development and problem-solving in a social setting. The University of Cincinnati's innovative seminar demonstrates just one of the ways educators recognize the potential of gaming as a powerful educational tool, not just in the realm of storytelling but as a vehicle for serious academic discourse as well. With Ethics & Dragons, the age-old game of Dungeons & Dragons proves it can hold a significant role in shaping the critical thinkers of tomorrow. Teachers and students alike may continue to find value in such interactive, seemingly whimsical approaches to learning that, however, connect player decisions directly to meaningful philosophical queries and real-world implications.
