[edit] Usage

To discipline 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] for example, teaching a child to wash
her/his hands before meals. Here, washing hands before meals is a particular pattern of
behavior, and the child is being disciplined to adopt that pattern. To discipline 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 denote a "sphere of knowledge" in which an
individual has chosen to specialize. In an institute of higher learning, the term discipline
is often a synonym of faculty.

[edit] Methods of discipline

[edit] Military discipline

Military discipline refers to the regulation the behaviors of members of any military,
involving rules that govern goal orientation and behavior inside and outside the
institution, including the socialization processes that happen in military training[3] Rules
of discipline are firmer or laxer depending on the prevalent culture of the military's
country or institution.[4] As early as the time of the Roman army, discipline was enforced
through military justice, but broader compilations of laws such as the Codex
Theodosianus contained provisions dealing with military discipline.[5]

[edit] School discipline

Main article: 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, homework assignments, tests, and work ethic. The term
may also refer to the punishment that is the consequences of violating the behavior code,
or to the administration of such punishment, rather than to behaving within the school
rules.

[edit] Church discipline

Main article: 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.

[edit] Employment discipline

In unionized 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 is allowed to respond to the allegations during the discipline hearing.

[edit] Self-discipline
Self-discipline refers to the training that one gives oneself to accomplish a certain task or
to adopt a particular pattern of behavior, even if one would rather be doing something
else. For example, denying oneself an extravagant pleasure in order to accomplish a more
demanding charitable deed is a display of self-discipline. Thus, self-discipline is the
assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be
synonymous with 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 one knows is best and to do it 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.[6] Moving from continent to virtuous behavior requires training and some
self-discipline.

[edit] References