ETHICS - Moral Development

kharakter

Greek word meaning stamping tool (marker) used to make coins

Character

Human qualities that distinguish one individual from the other

Nicomachean Ethics

• A book written by Aristotle named for Nicomachus (son)

• Emphasis on cultivating the character and virtues of an individual so that one becomesa virtuous person

Nicomachus

Son of Aristotle who edited his father’s work

Excellence of Character

• Aristotle believes the human character or good moral character is a state concerned with choice determined by REASON

• In developing good moral character, he introduced the DOCTRINE OF THE MEAN between two vices

Doctrine of the Mean

Virtue is the mean of two extremes

a. Extreme excess

b. Extreme deficiency

Family Influence

• One of the most significant influences on a person’s moral character

• Parents and caregivers are often the first role models, teaching children basic moral values such as honesty, respect, and responsibility

• Through family interactions, children learn about the consequences of their actions, and they internalize the moral codes upheld by their parents

Peer Influence

• Plays a crucial role, especially during adolescence when individuals seek acceptance and validation from their social circles

• Can either reinforce positive moral behaviors or challenge existing values, depending on the peer group’s attitudes and actions

Educational Environment

• Shape moral character by promoting values such as fairness, cooperation, and respect for others

• Provides opportunities for moral learning through classroom rules, the behavior of teachers, and formula curricula that include moral and ethical discussions

Cultural and Societal Norms

• Influence what is considered morally acceptable or unacceptable within a particular community

• These norms are conveyed through media, traditions, laws, and social expectations, all of which help shape an individual’s moral compass

Personal Experiences and Reflection

• Include success, failures, and challenges

• Reflection on these allows individual to evaluate their actions and moral implications of their choices, leading to personal growth and stronger moral reasoning

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs

• Provide a framework for understanding morality and ethical behavior

• Often include teachings about what is right and wrong and offer moral guidance that can deeply influence one’s character

Psychology

• Scientific study of the mind and behavior

• Mental or behavioral characteristics of an individual or group

• Study of the self and all its components

Albert Bandura

Social Learning Theory by _____

Social Learning Theory

• Theory that suggests that we learn moral behaviors by observing and imitating others, especially those we see as role models

• Positive behaviors are reinforced through rewards

• Negative behaviors are discouraged through punishments

Jean Piaget

Theory of Cognitive Development/Cognitive Developmental Theory by _____

Theory of Cognitive Development/Cognitive Developmental Theory

• Theory that focused on human subject’s cognitive development or the development of his or her ability to know

• Has 2 Stages:

  • Heteronomous Morality (ages 4-7)

  • Autonomous Morality (ages 10 and above)

Heteronomous Morality

• Children see rules in this stage as fixed and unchangeable, imposed by authority figures

• They follow rules strictly to avoid punishment

Autonomous Morality

• Children, in this stage, start understanding that rules are agreements that can be changed through mutual consent

• They learn to consider intention and perspectives of others

Sigmund Freud

Psychoanalytic Theory by _____

Psychoanalytic Theory

• Theory that focuses on the role of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences in shaping moral behavior

• Superego, which acts as our moral conscience, develops through internalizing the values and rules of our parents during early childhood

Superego

Acts as our moral conscience

Evolutionary Theory

• This theory looks at moral development through the lens of evolution, focusing on the biological and social aspects that have shaped human morality over time

• Suggests that moral behavior has evolved because it supports group survival and social cohesion

Lawrence Kolhberg

Stages of Development by _____

Stages of Development

• Theory of moral development that describes how people progress through different stages of moral reasoning as they grow

• 6 Stages, grouped into 3:

  • Pre-Conventional

  • Conventional

  • Post-Conventional

Pre-Conventional Level

• First level of moral development

• Moral reasoning is based primarily on self-interest and avoiding punishment

• Typically up to Age 9

Conventional Level

• Second level of moral development

• Individuals start to internalize the moral standards of valued adult role models, and morality is ties to social approval maintaining order

• Typically in Adolescence and Adulthood

Post-Conventional Level

• Highest level of moral development

• Individuals start to develop their own set of moral principles that may transcend societal norms

• They reason based on universal ethical principles

• Typically in Adolescence, but Not Reached by Everyone