The human society is a society of various categories of citizens – group one are psychologically, emotionally, balanced and while group two are  psychologically, emotionally unbalanced.  The first group of human citizens belonged to the humane category.  The humane citizen is one who upholds virtues; the humane citizen is one who is caring; the humane citizen is one who takes into cognizance the ethics of constituted social norms guiding their immediate environment and beyond; and the humane citizen is one who upholds social justice.   The second groups of human citizens belong to the inhumane category – these are cruel, heartless, sadistic, violent, tyrants and or oppressors.  The writers’ assertion above is formed on the basis that ethical citizens shun violence and are peaceable. Many nations are threatened by crime and acts of moral turpitudes. The World Health Organization (2006) observes that crimes of violent characters have been a common experience over the course of human history. However, the scale of criminal activities in this century has surpassed all the thresholds. Thousands of people die every year and billions undergo pain, trauma because of this violence.

Ethical citizens have the potential to be ethically involved citizens, thereby promoting understanding by nurturing sensitivity and fostering sympathy within and between human beings.  In a broader sense, ethics reflects on human beings and their interaction with nature and with other humans, on freedom, on responsibility and on justice.  It can be said that in general, ethics is concerned with human independence when it focuses on the relationship that exists between humans and the world. This independence is the primary condition in ethical decision-making and in any objective analysis of the facts. Individuals demonstrate independence when, in a decision-making process, they choose to free themselves as much as possible from their conditioning.  It allows us to judge objectively and to decide what direction to take.

Ethics is relative to universal morality.  Ethics involves keeping the Golden Rule.  The ‘golden rule’ is in tandem with the Holy Scripture according to the book of Matthew chapter 7 verse 12 ‘Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them for this is the law and the prophets’ (KJV).  Heimonen (2012:1) stated that fostering of shared feelings and the promotion of mutual respect, trust and caring is paramount.   Therefore, keeping the ‘golden rule’ is very important, and being able to understand the needs and feelings of other people is also very gamine, to the collective existence of all.

One of the goals for education in Nigeria as stated in the National policy on education (2013:10, 11-12) is “the inculcation of the right type of values and attitudes for the survival of the individual and the Nigerian society.  It further stated that, the quality of instruction at all levels of education shall be oriented towards inculcating the following values; respect for the worth and dignity of the individual; moral and spiritual principles in inter-personal and human relations”.  Education is one of the ways of achieving national goals. The aim of education has not only been to impart academic knowledge to the learners but to also teach values and attitudes alongside sound academic knowledge. Values and attitudes are part of the curricular especially at the early levels of education because of the cultural importance attached to them in the Nigerian society. Education is the avenue through which important aspects of the culture are imparted to members of the society. They need these right values and attitudes for their survival in the society. Education is incomplete without the right values and attitudes that they need to survive as adult members of the society. This is why Odor and Omozeghian (1997) defined education as “the process of developing the physical, mental, social, moral and aesthetic faculties of a person so that he could be useful to himself and to the community in which he lives”. They further explained education as “a process of acquiring knowledge, skills and competencies for personal benefits and welfare of the society in which a person lives”.  Every member of the society is prepared through education to be useful to themselves and the society where they live. One of the subjects that can be used in achieving some of the goals especially the inculcation of the right values, attitudes and behavior is music.

Virtues

Virtue (Latin: virtus) is moral excellence. A virtue is a trait or quality that is deemed to be morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. In other words, it is a behavior that shows high moral standards: doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong.  Words related to virtues include moral excellence; goodness; righteousness. The opposite of virtue is vice.

Morality - Beliefs or ideas about what is right and wrong and about how people should behave or the degree to which something is right or acceptable. It is also principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour.  Morality is similar to ethics which is a particular system of values and principles of conduct. 

 Ethics - Derived from the Greek word “ethos”, which means “way of living”, ethics is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with human conduct, more specifically the behaviour of individuals in society. Ethics examines the rational justification for our moral judgments; it studies what is morally right or wrong, just or unjust.

Social Justice -The concept of social justice first arose in the 19th century during the Industrial Revolution as attempts were made to promote more egalitarian societies and reduce the exploitation of certain marginalized groups due to the vast disparity between the rich and poor at the time. Social justice initially focused on issues such as the distribution of capital, property, and wealth due to the extreme levels of inequality and economic distress prevalent at the time, resulting from the European social class structure. Social justice issues are considered fluid, dynamic, and rooted within a contemporary context of social life (Gerwirtz, 1998).Social Justice is a political and philosophical theory that focuses on the concept of fairness in relations between individuals in society and equal access to wealth, opportunities, and social privileges in a society.  Today, social justice has shifted towards a stronger emphasis on human rights and improving the lives of disadvantaged and marginalized groups that have historically faced discrimination in society.

Education- The concept of education is general since it comprises both informal and formal.  It is a systematic training and instruction designed to transmit knowledge and develop skills in individuals.

Music

Music comprises of sound metrically structured, rhythmically structured, melodically and or harmonically structured including other elements and techniques applied to form a complete series.  Well thought out texts usually added to teach and address issues regarding various themes and subjects in the society.

Music’s Unequivocal Role in Promoting Virtues, Morality, Ethics and Social Justice

Dalton (1914) opined that ethical values, agreeable conduct can be taught by music. How does music educate the society, what role does music play in promoting virtues, morality, ethics and social justice?  (Hasan, 2020: 316-319) submit that Plato one of the greatest philosophers in history stated that education takes the individual's soul towards divinity. Thus the above questions were answered by Plato that ‘Music’ as a means of education reaches directly into the mind; that music teaches the heart to love, to act morally. He said that Plato further argued that music develops reason in the soul. According to (Barker, 1960), through ears and eyes, music transfers wisdom, bravery to the soul.   Plato asserts with an importance that a person who knows music but has no understanding of good and evil cannot be expected to be treated as an ethical individual (Plato, 1908).Plato places importance on music in education because he believes that music, education, and morality are connected. The principal concern of all of his theories is to establish justice in the state. To build justice, Plato advocates for proper education. Education can develop values like wisdom, courage, goodness, solidarity, harmony in the mind of the individual. Plato also believes that music in education can inculcate the values deep within the soulbecause music has rhythm and sound which soften the minds of the children. As the children are imitative, they assimilate the music subconsciously and it gradually develops moral values. Plato warns at the same time, of the negative aspects of music. The music which does not convey morality, ethics, harms the child’s soul. Plato emphasizes the tender mind to teach moral values, because at a tender age, children want to learn and assimilate. They are naturally mimetic at an early age. If the children are raised under the atmosphere of kindness, good manners around, they produce the best for the society.  It should be noted that the paper is not focused on children and music rather the paper’s focus is on using music to promote virtues, morality, ethics and social justice through education. From the above, Plato’s assertions are key to being humane citizens at any developmental stages in life which is in tandem with the paper’s focus.  In Plato’s view, music and character are intimately connected. Certain modes of music dispose the individual to illiberality, insolence, and other vices. By the same token, other modes suggest peacefulness, moderation, and self-control, and dispose one to an orderly and courageous life. It’s important to note that Plato is not talking about lyrics (although he was concerned about them) but about the music itself. A man raised on harmonious music, he says, has a better chance of developing a harmonious soul: he will be better able to see life as a whole, and thus he would have the sharpest sense of what’s been left out, of what is and isn’t fitting.  Although Plato was more focused on the sonic sound of music, texts associated with music are also very crucial, because music texts play very important role in forming opinions and building character.

Today, virtue, moral value and ethical living are fast going into extinct in the society.  The Holy Scripture according to Proverbs chapter 22 verse 6; stated that; ‘Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it’; It enjoined parents to teach and train their children in the right way so that these children who would in turn become leaders and men and women of stalwart would be sound both spiritually and psychologically. Plato argued that the human soul is connected to music and morality. The human soul is not a passive subject of education, but rather an active one. The education on virtues, morality, and ethics should be inculcated from an early age. Presented below are music texts dealing with different themes and subjects on virtue, morality, ethics and social justice by some music makers/composers and musicians.

Song Title – What Is Right (by JfreeBtz )

I want and need what's clean from you

For your intention is pure and simple too

This world receives healing and good vibes

With virtues and ethics to save all lives

I want and need what's clean from you

For your intention is pure and simple too

This world receives healing and good vibes

With virtues and ethics to save all lives

I want and need what's clean from you

For your intention is pure and simple too

This world receives healing and good vibes

With virtues and ethics to save all lives

I want and need what's clean from you

For your intention is pure and simple too

This world receives healing and good vibes

With virtues and ethics to save all lives

Song Title – Train Up Your Child (by Enoh J. Okafor)

Children of today are leaders of tomorrow

Children of today are leaders of tomorrow

Train up your child in the way,

In the way he should go.

Children of today are leaders of tomorrow

Children of today are leaders of tomorrow

Train up your child in the way,

In the way he should go.

Fathers, train up your children

Train up your children

Train up your child in the way,

In the way he should go.

Mothers, train up your children

Train up your children

Train up your child in the way,

In the way he should go.

Parents, train up your children

Train up your children

Train up your child in the way,

In the way he should go.

Wards, train up your children

Train up your children

Train up your child in the way,

In the way he should go.

Song Title – Heal the World (by Michael Jackson)

Think about um, the generations

And ah, say we want to make it a better place for our children

And our children's children so that they, they

They, they know it's a better world for them

And think if they can make it a better place)

There's a place in your heart

And I know that it is love

And this place it was brighter than tomorrow

And if you really try

You'll find there's no need to cry

In this place you'll feel there's no hurt or sorrow

There are ways to get there

If you care enough for the living

Make a little space

Make a better place

Heal the world

Make it a better place

For you and for me, and the entire human race

There are people dying

If you care enough for the living

Make a better place for you and for me

Though it's plain to see, this world is heavenly

Be god's glow

We could fly so high

Let our spirits never die

In my heart I feel you are all my brothers

Create a world with no fear

Together we cry happy tears

See the nations turn their swords into plowshares

We could really get there

If you cared enough for the living

Make a little space

To make a better place

You and for me (for a better place)

You and for me (make a better place)

You and for me (make a better place)

You and for me (heal the world we live in)

You and for me (save it for our children)

You and for me (heal the world we live in)

You and for me (save it for our children)

You and for me (heal the world we live in)

You and for me (save it for our children)

You and for me (heal the world we live in)

You and for me (save it for our children)

Song Title – A Virtuous Woman (by Dora I. Okunbor)

A virtuous woman, who can find

A virtuous woman, who can find

She is worth far more able jewels

Her husband puts his confidence in her

So long as he lives she does him good not harm likewise her children and to her servants girls

She works hard buys field plants and brings food home from far away

She spins her own thread and weaved clothes for her family

She is generous to the poor and needy

She speaks with a gentle voice

Oh she is precious more precious than jewels

Song Title – Redemption Song (by Bob Marley)

Old pirates, yes, they rob I

Sold I to the merchant ships

Minutes after they took I

From the bottomless pit

But my hand was made strong

By the hand of the Almighty

We forward in this generation

Triumphantly

Won't you help to sing

These songs of freedom?

'Cause all I ever have

Redemption songs

Redemption songs

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery

None but ourselves can free our minds

Have no fear for atomic energy

'Cause none of them can stop the time

How long shall they kill our prophets

While we stand aside and look? Ooh!

Some say it's just a part of it

We've got to fulfill the book

Song Title – Equal Rights and Justice (by Peter Tosh)

Everyone is crying out for peace

None is crying out for justice

I said, "if the one is crying out for peace"

I said, "none is crying out for justice"

But there will be no peace

'Till men get equal rights

Equal rights and justice

Equal rights

Equal rights and justice

Equal rights

Equal rights and justice

Equal rights

Equal rights and justice

Everybody want to go up to heaven

I say, "hell, nobody want to die" (and visits the Jesus)

Everybody want to go up to heaven

I say, "hey, but none of them want to die"

I don't know why

But ain't gonna be no peace

'Till men get the equal rights

Benefit of Using Music to Promote the Education of Virtue, Morality, Ethics and Social Justice

There is something magical about music. It is mystical. It is filled with myth and lore.  It affects the psyche and psychology of the listeners.  It stimulates. It catalyzes. It initiates and spurs actions. Listening to a song is an intimate experience between a listener and an artist, composer or music maker. For as long as music has existed, it has provided a way for communities, cultures, nations to connect, for people to reach out to others, to spread a sense of belonging. When harnessed for a cause, music unites and inspires.  Below are some music’s benefits to promoting the education of virtue, morality, ethics and social justice.

• The value of music can lie on its capacity to enrich our lives through broadening our capacity for human feeling.
• Music can encourage self-inquiry and personal growth - Hatten
• Music can help in educating people to listen respectively to one another thereby promoting an atmosphere of mutual understanding.
• Bracci 2002: 145–46, Mitzen 2005: 403) noted that Sensitivity and respectful listening to others is said to form an ethical basis for creating peace in the world.
• Music can help in promoting the virtue of love, patience, and sharing among family members and the society at large.
• Music purifies, strengthens our character, and protects our health. Music can make the mind rationalized because involuntary segment of human mental faculties can be stimulated and placated by music - Plato
• Music helps to reason with the soul, and music has the attributes to instill reason as unintentional learning within the soul. The rhythm, expression, and tone of musical instruments, with strong soul appeal, implies moral suggestions - Barker
• Music can play a positive role in moral development by creating sensual attraction to goodness.

The paper highlight that education takes the individual's soul towards divinity, that music as a means of education reaches directly into the mind, music teaches the heart to love, to act morally, music develops reason in the soul.  That through ears and eyes, music/texts transfers wisdom, bravery to the soul, that a person who knows music but has no understanding of good and evil cannot be expected to be treated as an ethical individual.  The paper further highlight that ethical values, agreeable conduct can be taught through music and that if children and in fact humans are raised under the atmosphere of kindness, good manners around, they produce the best for the society.  Furthermore, social justice – the right to equality and fairness to all is advocated through music texts.  Conclusively a quote from William Kilpatrick said that “people who grow up without a sense of how yesterday has affected today are unlikely to have a strong sense of how today affects tomorrow.  They are unlikely to understand in a bone-deep way how the decisions they make now will shape and affect their future”. 

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