Psychology Chapter 6: Moral Character

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Questions and Answers

What is a key distinction between moral character and ethical behavior?

Ethical behavior is unrelated to individual traits.

Moral character is solely about knowledge of good.

Ethical behavior does not require understanding moral character.

Moral character focuses on character development rather than just behavior. (correct)

During which stage of life do individuals start viewing self-defining traits as stable?

Old age

Adolescence (correct)

Adulthood

Childhood

Why is knowledge of ethical standards sometimes insufficient for moral action?

People frequently forget the ethical standards.

People act on impulse rather than knowledge.

Ethics are too complex to remember.

There are too many variables affecting behavior. (correct)

How does character development influence ethical behavior?

It shapes choices and responses in challenging situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about people as they acquire new abilities and experiences?

They change their patterns of thought and behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about training individuals to act morally?

Moral training alone ensures good character. Signup and view all the answers

What role do significant others play in an individual’s understanding of their traits?

They provide insights on what can realistically be expected. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does character encompass that differentiates it from simply following ethical norms?

A deep-seated resolve to act ethically. Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of change in character suggest about individuals over time?

They evolve and develop new choices and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Greek term charakter refer to in relation to character?

The mark impressed upon a coin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term consistency in relation to personality?

A coherent pattern of traits and actions Signup and view all the answers

What does the Latin term persona originally refer to?

A public image or theatrical mask Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), what does the 'thinking/feeling' dichotomy represent?

How individuals prefer to analyze and react to stimuli Signup and view all the answers

How are individuals categorized in psychology according to their personalities?

By consistent and distinctive traits Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of distinction refer to in the study of personality?

The unique traits of individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes character and personality?

They both encapsulate consistent, observable traits Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of individuals categorized as 'thinkers'?

They analyze experiences dispassionately Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding behavior and expectations is correct?

Labels create expectations that can be unmet Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does resistance to change in personality traits imply?

Personality traits are generally stable over time Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal character trait in managing resources?

Generosity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes magnanimity in the context of self-esteem?

A balanced view of one’s own value Signup and view all the answers

What lies between the extremes of rashness and cowardice?

Courage Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of character as described in the content?

It can be observed through consistent patterns of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue is described as enabling other virtues to manifest?

Courage Signup and view all the answers

How is character formation described in the context of living a good life?

It plays a crucial role in enabling a good life. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered moderation in the desire for pleasure?

Temperance Signup and view all the answers

What leads to dissatisfaction in maximizers?

Feeling of missing out Signup and view all the answers

Which character trait allows a person to appreciate what is available?

Temperance Signup and view all the answers

What is the downside of excessive desires according to the content?

It results in greed. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is associated with a satisficer?

Feels satisfied with the necessary Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a desired object is unrealistic or unattainable?

One accepts frustration and moves on. Signup and view all the answers

How do popular culture messages about happiness typically contrast with some rich individuals' experiences?

Some rich people find satisfaction in simplicity. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences a person's actions and the quality of life?

Character trait Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavior of individuals characterized as maximizers?

They often regret their decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which trait is least likely to be associated with temperance?

Greed Signup and view all the answers

What is the main critique of Kohlberg's theory as discussed by Carol Gilligan?

It overemphasizes logical reasoning over emotional understanding. Signup and view all the answers

How does the content describe the concept of moral character?

It focuses on the refinement of traits for ethical excellence. Signup and view all the answers

Why is assessing character considered problematic?

People often misinterpret their own weaknesses. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of personality is highlighted when discussing traits like introversion?

Individuals can differ in the degree of traits they possess. Signup and view all the answers

In ethics, the term character implies what kind of judgment?

A value judgment about personal identity. Signup and view all the answers

How does the content characterize the nature of personality traits?

They are fluid and vary relative to situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the moral psychology of caring individuals versus rule-based thinkers?

Rule-based thinkers should be more emotional in their judgments. Signup and view all the answers

Why is character different from personality?

Character reflects moral identity while personality does not. Signup and view all the answers

What should rule-based thinkers consider to align better with moral judgments based on care?

To enhance their emotional engagement in decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

How is ethical character related to individuality according to the content?

It emphasizes qualities that make one ethically commendable. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 6: Moral Character

Moral character contrasts with character and personality in psychology
It is about ethical excellence, refined qualities, and not simply individual uniqueness
It is an inner identity and not always apparent

Character and Personality

Character comes from the Greek charakter which refers to the mark impressed upon a coin
It signifies the qualities that make one unique and overlaps with personality in psychology
Personality comes from the Latin persona, which referred to a theatrical mask in ancient Greek plays
It refers to one’s public image, which may or may not reflect one's real traits

Character in Psychology

In psychology, individuals are categorized based on their respective personalities
Personality has two features: consistency and distinction
Consistency describes an individual's coherent traits and action patterns
Distinction describes differences among individuals based on traits that manifest in thought and behavior patterns

Character in Ethics

In ethics, moral character relates to a person's moral identity and refers to qualities or traits
It is about value judgement, not mere appearance
It is not reliably identified or measured with standardized tests

Virtues

Temperance is a virtue that moderates the desire for pleasure
It lies between excessive desire and people with less desire
It can be observed between the maximizer and the satisficer: the maximizer wants to try everything and the satisficer picks what is needed and feels satisfied
Courage lies between rashness and cowardice
Rashness leads to unnecessary risk for disproportionate benefit
Cowardice keeps one from taking necessary risk

Conclusion

Character persists and resists change
Character refers to what a person is
Virtues are good character traits that form an integral part of a person’s way of life
Some virtues only become apparent when a situation calls for it
Courage enables the other virtues to manifest.
Character formation, or becoming a good person, is essential to the good life.

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Description

Explore the intricate concepts of moral character, character, and personality as discussed in Chapter 6 of psychology. Understand how moral character distinguishes ethical excellence from mere individuality, and discover the historical roots of these terms. This quiz delves into the psychological implications of character and personality traits.