Chapter 7

What is Moral development?

Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors regarding standards of right and wrong.

What is Internalization?

The development change from behavior that is externally controlled to behavior that is controlled by internal standards and principles. (As children and adolescents develop, their moral thoughts become more internalized.)

What are Kohlberg’s Three Levels of moral development?

Preconventional reasoning, conventional, postconventional.

What is the definition of Preconventional Reasoning?

The lowest level in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. The individual shows no internalization. Asks the question, “how will I get punished?”

What is the definition of Conventional Reasoning?

The second, or intermediate, level in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. Internalization is intermediate. Individuals abide by certain standards (internal), but they are the standards of others (external), such as parents or the laws of society. More of expectations from peers.

What is the definition of Postconventional reasoning?

The highest level in Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. Morality is completely internalized and not based on the standards of others. (Universal ethical principles)

What is the Justice Perspective?

A moral perspective that focuses on the rights of the individual, individuals independently make moral decisions.

What is the Care Perspective?

The moral perspective of Carol Gilligan, which views people in terms of their connectedness with others and emphasizes interpersonal communication, relationships with others, and concern for others.

What is the definition of Social Conventional Reasoning?

Thoughts about social consensus and convention, as opposed to moral reasoning that stresses ethical issues. (Ex: using a fork and spoon at meals is a social conventional rule, as is raising one's hand in class before speaking)

What is Social Cognitive theory of moral development?

The theory that distinguishes between moral competence (the ability to produce moral behaviors) and moral performance. Adolescents' moral performance or behavior is determined by their motivation and the rewards and incentives to act in a specific moral way.

What is Altruism?

unselfish interest in helping others

What is the definition of forgiveness?

This is an aspect of prosocial behavior that occurs when an injured person releases the injurer from possible behavioral retaliation

What is the Ego ideal?

The component of the superego that involves ideal standards approved by parents. Ex: parents don't want their kids to lie to them.

What is the definition of Conscience?

The component of the superego that involves behaviors disapproved of by parents. (the conscience punishes the individual for acting immorally by making person feel guilty and worthless).

What is the definition of Empathy?

Reacting to another’s feelings with an emotional response that is similar to the other’s feelings

What are some examples of moral exemplars?

Mother Teresa, Gandhi

What is the definition of Moral Identity?

An aspect of personality that is present when individuals have moral notions and commitments that are central to their lives. Ex: if a person says he or she is honest and then lies to their parents, he or she will feel guilty about it because he or she wasn't fully commited

What are some ways we can create a moral society?

Have certain school programs that teach kids how to be moral, equality among individuals, change the family unit. (teach parents moral values)

What is love withdrawal?

A discipline technique in which a parent removed attention or love from the adolescent

What is Power assertion?

A discipline technique in which a parent attempts to gain control over the adolescent or the adolescents resources

What is induction?

A discipline technique in which a parent uses reason and explanation of the consequences for others ot the adolescent’s actions. Ex: "Don't hit him. He was only trying to help".

What are some concerns with moral reasoning?

morality doesn't perfectly link to moral behavior

How do terrorists justify their actions?

Terrorists come from different cultural backgrounds and religious ideologies and they can justify their actions by saying they know what god wants.

What did Nancy Eisenberg study? What is this type of study called?

She studied giving empathy to others. we need to get into the other person’s head to understand his or her emotions
Called “Theory of mind research work”

Why is empathy so important to teach kids?

Having a baby in the empathy program teaches children that body language can affect how people react (the baby) you don’t need to call someone a name, they can read you through your body language
-baby is vulnerable and needs constant attention and you learn to be patient which is key to have relationships in the future
-Kids are at the age where they take everything in and therefore enjoy the empathy class

What is the difference between Shame and Guilt?

Shame is the ability to see ourselves as failures in a social situation where as Guilt is situation association specific.

What is the difference between Hubris and Pride?

Pride is associated with prosocial behavior (paired up with guilt) where are Hubris and Shame are paired together (ourselves rather than situation)

Who was against Kohlberg's theory of Moral development and why?

Carol Gilligan. Argued the fact that in reality, women argue from intrapersonal perspectives (we steal because we love someone)We see people who steal as unsophisticated rather than people who steal for moral reasons (they love the person) therefore people shouldn't be considered to be in a lower stage because they do things for personal reasons.