Discipline
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In its most general sense, discipline refers to systematic instruction given to a disciple. To discipline thus means to instruct a person to follow a particular code of conduct "order." Usually, the phrase 'to discipline' carries a negative connotation. This is because enforcement of order - that is, ensuring instructions are carried out - is often regulated through punishment.
Usage
"Discipline is the instant willingness and obedience to all orders, respect for authority, self reliance and teamwork. The ability to do the right thing even when no one is watching or suffer the consequences of guilt which produces pain in our bodies, through pain comes discipline." --United States Marine Corps
To discipline thus means to instruct a person to follow a particular code of conduct or "order." In the field of child development, discipline refers to methods of modeling character and of teaching self-control and acceptable behavior"[1] (e.g teaching a child to wash her/his hands before meals). Here, 'washing hands before meals' is a particular pattern of behaviour, and the child is being disciplined to adopt that pattern. 'To disciple' also gives rise to the word disciplinarian, which denotes a person who enforces order.
However, usually the phrase 'to discipline' carries a negative connotation. This is because of the need to maintain order - that is, ensuring instructions are carried out. Order is often regulated through punishment.cf. [2]
To be disciplined is then, subject to context, either a virtue (the ability to follow instructions well) or a euphemism for punishment (which may also be referred to as disciplinary procedure). As a concrete noun, the discipline refers to an instrument of punishment, for example in mortification of the flesh (see also: flagellation). Such an instrument may also be applied to oneself, for example in penitence for not being sufficiently self-disciplined.
An academic discipline refers to a body of knowledge that is being given to - or has been received by - a disciple. The term may then denotes a 'sphere of knowledge' that an individual has chosen to specialise in. In an institute of higher learning, the term 'discipline' is often a synonym of 'faculty'.
Methods of discipline
Methods of discipline are social standards on who, when, why, and how people are disciplined. Typically, it is not socially acceptable for anyone other than the parents to spank a child. Depending on state law, it may or may not be acceptable to execute a prisoner guilty of murder. Standards change depending on the environment.
School discipline
School discipline refers to regulation of children and the maintenance of order ("rules") in schools. These rules may, for example, define the expected standards of clothing, timekeeping, social behavior and work ethic. The term may also refer to the punishment that is the consequence of violating the behavior code, or to the administration of such punishment, rather than to behaving within the school rules.
Church discipline
Church discipline is a response of an ecclesiastical body to some perceived wrong, whether in action or in doctrine. Its most extreme form in modern churches is excommunication. Church discipline can also refer to the rules governing some ecclesiastical order, such as priests or monks, such as clerical celibacy.
Employment discipline
In unionised companies, discipline may be a regulated part of a collective bargaining agreement and subject to grievance procedures.
In UK employment matters, a discipline hearing [otherwise known as a disciplinary hearing] is conducted by an employer when it is alleged that an employee has fallen below the required standard in an aspect relating to their employment. A discipline hearing can be instigated regarding an issue of misconduct or poor performance. The employee should be allowed to respond to the allegations during the discipline hearing.
Self discipline
Self-discipline refers to the training that one gives one's self to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behavior, even though one would really rather be doing something else. For example, denying oneself of an extravagant pleasure in order to accomplish a more demanding charitable deed. Thus, self-discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be a synonym of 'self control'. Self-discipline is to some extent a substitute for motivation, when one uses reason to determine a best course of action that opposes one's desires. Virtuous behavior is when one's motivations are aligned with one's reasoned aims: to do what you know is best and to do it genuinely gladly. Continent behavior, on the other hand, is when one does what one knows is best, but must do it by opposing one's motivations.[3] Moving from continent to virtuous behavior requires training and some self discipline.
See also
References
- ^ Papalia, D. E.; Wendkos-Olds, S.; Duskin-Feldman, R. (2006), A Child's World: Infancy Through Adolescence (10th ed.), New York: McGraw-Hill
- ^ Douglas, Murray A.; Strauss (2007), "Discipline by Parents and Child Psychopathology" (PDF), in Felthous, A.; Sass, H. (eds.), International Handbook of Psychopathology and the Law, New York: Wiley, pp. 1–2.
- ^ , Fowers BJ. 2008, From Continence to Virtue: Recovering Goodness, Character Unity, and Character Types for Posewitive Psychology. Theory & Psychology, Vol. 18, No. 5, 629-653