Individual and poverty. Reflection on a possible ethical problem of service learning methodology

Abstract

Service learning is a work methodology recently introduced in European university education, what is learned in the classrooms find application among people in need. Two goals are pursued: live the social commitment of the university and help the community (or other communities) in a situation of vulnerability. But some ethical doubts arise, because it seems evident that there is a danger of using those who are helped (the needy) because they are reduced to a means to live a learning experience, get some credits, that the teacher achieves positive evaluations in the subject, etc. However, the approach of the aid must be different, since the 'beneficiary' is a person, that is, someone with an absolute value who is able to contribute absolutely to the person who helps (capable of making him a beneficiary). In this article we advocate a benevolent approach, and not abstract or following criteria of effectiveness, to the ApS methodology.