Three Sources of Morality

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Download our mobile app to listen on the go

Get App

Questions and Answers

For every action there are _____ sources of morality.

three

Define the 'three sources of morality' concept (without listing the sources).

The three sources of morality are the 3 elements that determine if an action is right or wrong AND influence the seriousness of the act.

What are the three sources of morality?

The object, the intention, and the circumstances.

In the context of the three sources of morality, what is 'the object'?

The act itself (e.g., lying to your parents). Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the three sources of morality, what is 'the intention'?

Your motive or why (e.g., you lied to avoid getting in trouble). Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the three sources of morality, what are 'the circumstances'?

Relevant conditions that (1) affect the seriousness of the act or (2) increase/decrease a person's responsibility (e.g., you were pressured by friends to attend a drinking party). Signup and view all the answers

What are the two ways that circumstances influence a moral action?

<ol> <li>They affect the seriousness of the act and 2) They increase/decrease a person's responsibility.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How many of the three sources (object, intention, circumstances) must be good for an action to be considered morally good?

All three sources must be good. If any one source is bad, then the whole action is morally bad. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'intrinsically evil' mean?

Acts that are never morally good under any circumstances (e.g., torture, abortion). Signup and view all the answers

What type of moral approach is the 'Three Sources of Morality' framework?

Deontology - it considers the moral laws and principles before acting and asks: what are my obligations? what is the moral law? what is my duty? Signup and view all the answers

What is discernment?

Determining what our specific call in life is. Signup and view all the answers

What are moral methods?

General approaches to determining right and wrong. Signup and view all the answers

List the main moral methods discussed.

Strict consequentialism, deontology, utilitarianism. Signup and view all the answers

Define strict consequentialism.

Considers consequences of actions only; choose the action that gives the most favorable consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Define deontology.

Considers moral principles / moral laws before acting; asks, 'What are my duties/obligations?' Signup and view all the answers

Define utilitarianism.

Asks, 'What action produces the greatest amount of happiness good for the greatest number of people?' Signup and view all the answers

What two words can often be used interchangeably when discussing right and wrong?

Morality + ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the CDF?

Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, which is a Vatican Congregation that used to be known as the Inquisition. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental questions about human nature did the Baby Lab research attempt to answer?

Are humans born morally good? Are humans born as a blank slate? Do humans start out as 'devils'? Signup and view all the answers

Why are babies often used in developmental psychology research, particularly regarding morality?

They have not been significantly influenced by families, experiences, or education yet. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the puppet experiments conducted in the Baby Lab (#1) and their main findings.

Used puppets in situations where one was helpful/good and another was unhelpful/bad. Variations included punishing 'bad' puppets or showing puppets similar/dissimilar to the baby. Findings: babies preferred good puppets, liked seeing bad puppets treated poorly, preferred similar puppets, and disliked dissimilar puppets (even wanting them treated poorly). Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the experiments conducted with older children in the Baby Lab (#2) and their main findings regarding resource allocation.

Older kids participated in simulations where they could allocate resources (like tokens or stickers) between themselves and another child. Options varied (e.g., equal distribution, slight advantage to self but none for other, large advantage to other). Findings: Younger children often chose less for themselves if it meant the other child got nothing, while older children demonstrated more generosity, sometimes choosing options that gave more to the other child even if they received none. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main conclusions drawn from the Baby Lab results?

Babies seem to have an innate sense of right/wrong; they exhibit a preference for similarity and bias against dissimilarity, potentially wanting harm against those unlike them; this preference for similarity might stem from a natural selection instinct favoring the self and ingroup. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'blank slate' idea in developmental psychology?

The idea that babies are born with no innate knowledge or tendencies ('tabula rasa') and acquire everything through experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jonathan Haidt's view of the 'blank slate' theory?

He considers it one of the worst ideas in developmental psychology, arguing that children come into the world already knowing a lot about the physical and social worlds. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jonathan Haidt mean by the 'first draft' of the moral mind?

Nature provides an initial framework (the 'first draft') containing 6 foundations, which is then adjusted and revised by experiences, culture, family, etc. It is malleable and capable of revisions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the six moral foundations included in Haidt's 'first draft'?

Harm/care, fairness/reciprocity, ingroup/loyalty, authority/respect, purity/sanctity, and liberty/oppression. Signup and view all the answers

How do the phrases 'malleable' and 'capable of revision' apply to Haidt's concept of the 'first draft' of morality?

While nature provides everyone with this initial framework (the six foundations), its development and the emphasis placed on each foundation are significantly impacted and shaped by individual experiences, culture, and upbringing. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jonathan Haidt use the image of the tongue (with taste receptors) as an analogy for morality?

Just as the tongue has different receptors for basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami), Haidt suggests humans have basic moral 'receptors' or sensitivities (the six foundations). This analogy helps illustrate that morality involves more dimensions than just harm and fairness. Signup and view all the answers

What are Jonathan Haidt's three main principles in his moral theory?

<ol> <li>Intuitions come first, strategic reasoning comes second. 2) There's more to morality than harm and fairness. 3) Morality binds and blinds.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Explain Haidt's first principle: 'Intuitions come first; strategic reasoning comes second.'

We often make quick, intuitive judgments ('gut feelings') about whether something is right or wrong. Our reasoning process then follows, primarily to justify or explain that initial intuition, rather than objectively determine its correctness. People often don't revisit the initial intuition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the general Catholic teaching regarding Haidt's principle 'Intuitions come first; strategic reasoning comes second'?

Catholic teaching emphasizes that individuals must engage in moral reasoning, even though in reality, many people might primarily rely on their initial gut feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Haidt's second principle: 'There's more to morality than harm and fairness.'

Human morality is not limited to concerns about causing harm or ensuring fairness. We also possess other basic moral sensitivities or receptors (like ingroup loyalty, authority, purity) that influence our judgments (similar to the tongue analogy). Signup and view all the answers

Explain Haidt's third principle: 'Morality binds and blinds.'

Shared moral values and beliefs can unite people, even those from different backgrounds, fostering cooperation ('binds'). However, these same strong group moralities can make it difficult to understand or empathize with those who hold different moral values, creating divisions and misunderstandings ('blinds'). Signup and view all the answers

Describe Jonathan Haidt's 'Elephant and Rider' metaphor.

The Rider represents controlled cognitive processes, like conscious reasoning. The Elephant represents automatic processes, including emotions, intuitions, and gut feelings. Signup and view all the answers

According to Haidt, what does the 'Elephant and Rider' image teach about human decision-making, especially in morality?

It suggests that automatic processes (the Elephant - intuition, emotion) largely guide human judgment and behavior, while conscious reasoning (the Rider) often plays a smaller role, frequently serving to rationalize the Elephant's inclinations. Signup and view all the answers

What are Ecumenical Councils in the Catholic Church?

Meetings where bishops from all over the world gather, typically to discuss and decide on matters of Church doctrine and discipline. Signup and view all the answers

Provide examples of Ecumenical Councils and their main focuses.

The Council of Trent (responding to the Protestant Reformation), Vatican I (teachings on papal infallibility), and Vatican II (updating the Church and promoting dialogue with the modern world). Signup and view all the answers

What are Encyclicals?

Official letters written by the Pope, usually addressed to bishops or the faithful worldwide, addressing current issues or clarifying doctrine. Signup and view all the answers

Provide examples of papal Encyclicals and their topics.

Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) by Pope John Paul II (topics including the death penalty, euthanasia, abortion); Laudato Si' by Pope Francis (on care for the environment). Signup and view all the answers

What is the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)?

An official summary of Catholic teachings on faith and morals. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a teaching found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, noting any development.

Teachings on the death penalty: Previously (reflecting Pope John Paul II's encyclical), it was considered permissible in very rare cases if it was the only way to defend society. The current teaching states it is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person. Signup and view all the answers

What are Documents produced by Vatican Congregations?

Official documents issued by departments (Congregations) within the Roman Curia that advise the Pope and oversee specific areas of Church life (e.g., the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith - CDF). Signup and view all the answers

Provide examples of topics addressed by Documents from Vatican Congregations.

Declaration on Certain Questions Concerning Sexual Ethics (addressing non-marital sex, homosexual acts, masturbation); Declaration on Euthanasia (addressing end-of-life issues like ventilators, feeding tubes, living wills); Donum Vitae & Dignitas Personae (addressing bioethical questions like IVF, genetic interventions). Signup and view all the answers

What are Pastoral Letters?

Letters written by individual bishops or groups of bishops (like a national conference) to the faithful in their specific region or country, often addressing local concerns or applying broader Church teachings. Signup and view all the answers

Provide examples of Pastoral Letters and their topics.

'Marriage is a Gift from God' (Bishop Malooly); 'The Challenge of Peace' (US Catholic Bishops on 'just war' teachings and nuclear weapons); 'The Many Faces of AIDS: A Gospel Response' (US Catholic Bishops on societal and Church responsibilities regarding the AIDS crisis). Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Harm/Care foundation in Haidt's theory.

This foundation relates to sensitivity to suffering and the well-being of others. It's considered one of the most obvious foundations, possibly developing from the long period of care required by human offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Fairness/Reciprocity foundation in Haidt's theory.

This involves concerns about justice, rights, and autonomy. It relates to expectations of proportionality and reciprocal altruism, exemplified by concepts like the Golden Rule ('treat others as you wish to be treated'). Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Ingroup/Loyalty foundation in Haidt's theory.

This relates to obligations and cooperation within groups, emphasizing loyalty, patriotism, and self-sacrifice for the group. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Authority/Respect foundation in Haidt's theory.

This involves concerns related to social order, respect for traditions, and deference to legitimate authorities, even those without physical power. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Purity/Sanctity foundation in Haidt's theory.

This relates to concerns about physical and spiritual contagion, often involving ideas about holiness, disgust, and controlling what one does with or puts into one's body. Signup and view all the answers

List three distinct examples of topics covered by official Catholic moral teaching documents.

Examples include: 1) Life issues such as the death penalty, euthanasia, and abortion (e.g., Evangelium Vitae). 2) Environmental ethics (e.g., Laudato Si'). 3) Papal infallibility (Vatican I). (Other valid examples: sexual ethics, just war, bioethics, marriage). Signup and view all the answers

What are the five different sources of Catholic moral teachings mentioned?

Documents produced by Ecumenical Councils, Encyclicals (papal letters), the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), documents produced by Vatican Congregations, and Pastoral letters (from bishops). Signup and view all the answers

Why does Steven Pinker argue that human morality, on a global scale, is improving?

He examines historical and contemporary data which, in his view, show significant improvements, such as declines in extreme poverty, illiteracy rates, infant mortality, and the frequency and deadliness of wars. Signup and view all the answers

What particular historical turning points does Steven Pinker identify as contributing to moral improvement?

Globalization (the increasing interconnection of the world through trade, communication, and culture, which he believes discourages war) and the shift away from wealth being primarily based on land. Signup and view all the answers

Based on his view of improving global morality, Steven Pinker can be described as an _____.

optimist Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental concern of moral philosophers?

Determining what is objectively right and wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental concern of moral psychologists?

Understanding how people think about moral issues and make moral decisions. Signup and view all the answers

From which disciplines does moral psychology primarily draw its insights?

Developmental psychology, neuroscience, and many other related disciplines. Signup and view all the answers

According to Lawrence Kohlberg's theory, what do humans develop through six distinct stages?

An innate moral framework or structure for moral reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

Which researcher specifically studied moral understanding in infants, finding they preferred 'good guys'?

Paul Bloom. Signup and view all the answers

What did Paul Bloom's research indicate about infants' basic moral inclinations?

Infants seem to show a preference for individuals who act helpfully ('good guys') and an aversion to those who act harmfully ('bad guys'). Signup and view all the answers

Beyond innate preferences, what did Bloom's research also highlight about moral development?

That culture plays a significant role in shaping moral development. Signup and view all the answers

Does Jonathan Haidt believe his six moral foundations are universal? If so, how does he explain moral differences between cultures or individuals?

Yes, he considers the foundations universal (part of the 'first draft'). He explains differences by noting that different cultures and individuals place varying levels of emphasis on, or develop different sensitivities to, each foundation based on their unique experiences and challenges. Signup and view all the answers

According to researcher Kurt Gray, what single concept can all morality essentially be reduced to?

Perceived harm. Signup and view all the answers

What is Kurt Gray's theory of morality called?

Theory of Dyadic Morality. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kurt Gray's Theory of Dyadic Morality, what is the basis of our shared moral template?

It's based on two perceived minds: an intentional agent who causes harm, and a suffering patient who experiences that harm. Signup and view all the answers

According to Steven Pinker's optimistic view, how has the world changed over time regarding morality?

It has steadily become less violent and more principled. Signup and view all the answers

According to Steven Pinker, how can the field of psychology contribute to our understanding of morality as it progresses?

Psychology can help people understand the processes by which they arrive at their own moral decisions and also understand how other people arrive at theirs. Signup and view all the answers

What did researcher Joshua Greene learn about the cognitive processes involved in moral decision-making?

He found that morality utilizes the same general cognitive functions that people use for everyday, non-moral decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Kurt Gray's main contributions to moral psychology.

Gray proposed that all morality can be boiled down to perceptions of harm. His Theory of Dyadic Morality posits a universal moral template based on perceiving an intentional agent causing harm and a suffering patient experiencing it. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Paul Bloom's main work and findings in moral psychology.

Bloom studied moral understanding in infants, discovering that babies show preferences for helpful ('good') characters and aversion to harmful ('bad') ones. He also emphasized that culture significantly shapes moral development beyond these innate beginnings. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Jonathan Haidt's main contributions to moral psychology.

Haidt rejected the 'blank slate' view, proposing the 'first draft' concept of innate moral foundations (Harm, Fairness, Ingroup, Authority, Purity, Liberty). He formulated three principles (Intuition first, More than harm/fairness, Morality binds/blinds) and used the Elephant/Rider metaphor to explain the dominance of intuition over reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

According to Haidt's framework, why might different societies emphasize or 'grow' the basic moral foundations (receptors) in different ways?

Because different societies face different needs, challenges, and environments, leading them to prioritize and cultivate certain moral sensitivities more than others. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Steven Pinker's main arguments regarding morality.

Pinker is an optimist who argues, based on data analysis, that the world is steadily improving morally (becoming less violent and more principled). He points to factors like globalization and changing economic structures as drivers. He believes psychology is key to understanding how we and others make moral decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Lawrence Kohlberg primarily influenced by in developing his stage theory of moral development?

Jean Piaget. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Lawrence Kohlberg primarily study, and what method did he use?

He primarily studied American males, following them from childhood into adulthood. His main method involved presenting them with hypothetical moral dilemmas to solve. Signup and view all the answers

In analyzing responses to moral dilemmas, what was Kohlberg primarily interested in?

He was interested in the reasoning or the 'why' behind the solutions, not just the 'what' (the decision itself). He identified patterns in this reasoning, which formed his six stages. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kohlberg, what fundamental principle was the key to morality and moral development?

Justice, understood as impartiality and the recognition of equality. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main levels of Kohlberg's theory of moral development?

Preconventional, Conventional, and Postconventional. Signup and view all the answers

List Kohlberg's six stages of moral development in general terms.

Stage 1: Punishment/Obedience (avoid punishment). Stage 2: Instrumental Purpose/Exchange (seek personal gain/reward). Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl (seek approval, please others). Stage 4: Law and Order (maintain social order, respect authority/rules). Stage 5: Social Contract (uphold critically examined social standards/laws). Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles (act on self-chosen, universal principles like justice). Signup and view all the answers

Describe Level 1 (Preconventional Level) in Kohlberg's theory, including its stages.

This is a self-centered level typical of younger children. Stage 1 (Punishment/Obedience): Right action is defined by avoiding punishment from authorities. Stage 2 (Instrumental Purpose/Exchange): Right action is what satisfies one's own needs, involving a focus on rewards and concrete exchanges ('you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours'). Signup and view all the answers

According to Kohlberg, which stage of moral development do most adults reach and tend to stay at?

Stage 4: The Law and Order orientation. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Carol Gilligan, and what was her relationship to Kohlberg's work?

Carol Gilligan was a developmental psychologist who initially worked with Kohlberg but later critiqued his theory and developed her own perspective on moral development. Signup and view all the answers

What was Carol Gilligan's main finding or argument regarding gender differences in moral reasoning?

Gilligan argued that females often approach morality with a focus on care, relationships, and responsibility (an 'ethic of care'), contrasting with the male focus on justice, rights, and impartiality (an 'ethic of justice') emphasized in Kohlberg's stages. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Lawrence Kohlberg's main contributions to the study of moral development.

Kohlberg developed a highly influential six-stage theory of moral reasoning based on his longitudinal studies of males responding to moral dilemmas. He proposed that humans develop through these stages, moving towards a morality based on justice and universal principles. His work emphasized the 'why' behind moral decisions. Signup and view all the answers

For every action there are _____

three sources of morality Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of the 'three sources of morality'?

They are the 3 elements that determine if an action is right or wrong AND influence the seriousness of the act. Signup and view all the answers

How many sources must be good for an action to be considered morally good?

All three sources (object, intention, circumstances) must be good. If any one source is bad, the whole action is considered morally bad. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'intrinsically evil' mean?

Acts that are never morally good under any circumstances (e.g., torture, abortion). Signup and view all the answers

What type of ethical approach is represented by the 'Three Sources of Morality' framework?

Deontology. Signup and view all the answers

What is strict consequentialism?

A moral method that considers only the consequences of actions; it advises choosing the action that yields the most favorable consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is deontology?

A moral method that considers moral principles or laws before acting; it asks, 'What are my duties/obligations?' Signup and view all the answers

What is utilitarianism?

A moral method that asks, 'What action produces the greatest amount of happiness or good for the greatest number of people?' Signup and view all the answers

Which two words related to the study of right and wrong can often be used interchangeably?

Morality and ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental questions about human nature did the Baby Lab experiments attempt to answer?

Are humans born morally good? Are humans born as a blank slate? Do humans start out as 'devils'? Signup and view all the answers

Why are babies often used in psychological research on morality?

Because they have not yet been significantly influenced by families, experiences, or education. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the findings of the Baby Lab puppet experiments.

Babies showed preference for 'good' puppets, desired punishment for 'bad' puppets, preferred puppets similar to themselves, and reacted negatively towards dissimilar puppets being treated well. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the findings of the Baby Lab experiments involving resource allocation with older children.

Younger children often chose to receive fewer resources themselves as long as another child received none, while older children demonstrated more generosity, sometimes giving more to others even if they received less or none. Signup and view all the answers

What main conclusions were drawn from the Baby Lab results regarding infants' morality?

Babies appear to possess a basic sense of right/wrong, show a preference for similarity (ingroup bias) that can extend to desiring harm against dissimilar others, and may have an instinct to favor those similar to them for perceived safety (self-preservation). Signup and view all the answers

According to Jonathan Haidt, what are the six moral foundations included in the 'first draft'?

Harm/care, Fairness/reciprocity, Ingroup/loyalty, Authority/respect, Purity/sanctity, and Liberty/oppression. Signup and view all the answers

How do the concepts of being 'malleable' and 'capable of revision' apply to Haidt's 'first draft' of morality?

While nature provides everyone with the basic foundations (the first draft), how these foundations develop and are prioritized is significantly impacted by individual experiences, culture, and upbringing. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jonathan Haidt use the analogy of the tongue to explain morality?

Just as the tongue has different taste receptors for various flavors, humans have basic moral 'receptors' or sensitivities corresponding to the different moral foundations (like harm, fairness, loyalty, etc.). Signup and view all the answers

What does Haidt's first principle, 'intuitions come first; strategic reasoning comes second,' mean?

We make rapid moral judgments based on gut feelings or intuition, and then use reasoning primarily to justify or explain that initial intuitive response, rather than to objectively find the truth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Catholic teaching regarding Haidt's principle 'intuitions come first; strategic reasoning comes second'?

Catholic teaching emphasizes the importance of engaging in moral reasoning, although it acknowledges that in practice, many people may rely primarily on their initial gut feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What does Haidt's second principle, 'there's more to morality than harm and fairness,' mean?

Human morality involves multiple dimensions or sensitivities (like loyalty, authority, purity), not just concerns about causing harm or ensuring fairness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Haidt's third principle, 'morality binds and blinds,' mean?

Shared moral values can unite groups and enable cooperation ('binds'), but can also make it difficult for different moral groups to understand or empathize with each other ('blinds'). Signup and view all the answers

In Jonathan Haidt's Elephant and Rider metaphor, what do the Elephant and the Rider represent?

The Elephant represents automatic processes like emotion and intuition, while the Rider represents controlled processes like reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Elephant and Rider metaphor suggest about human decision-making?

It suggests that automatic processes (the Elephant) largely guide human behavior and judgments, with reason (the Rider) often playing a secondary or justificatory role. Signup and view all the answers

Provide examples of Ecumenical Councils.

The Council of Trent (responding to the Protestant Reformation), Vatican I (defining papal infallibility), and Vatican II (modernizing the Church and engaging with the modern world). Signup and view all the answers

Provide examples of Papal Encyclicals.

Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) by Pope John Paul II (on the death penalty, euthanasia, abortion) and Laudato Si' by Pope Francis (on care for the environment). Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a teaching found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, noting its development over time.

The teaching on the death penalty: previously allowed in extreme cases for societal defense (per Pope John Paul II's encyclical), it is now considered inadmissible because it attacks the inviolability and dignity of the person (updated under Pope Francis). Signup and view all the answers

Provide examples of documents produced by Vatican Congregations.

Declaration on Certain Questions Concerning Sexual Ethics (addressing non-marital sex, homosexual acts, masturbation), Declaration on Euthanasia (discussing end-of-life issues), Donum Vitae & Dignitas Personae (addressing bioethical questions like IVF and genetic interventions). Signup and view all the answers

Provide examples of Pastoral Letters.

'Marriage is a Gift from God' (Bishop Malooly), 'The Challenge of Peace' (US Catholic Bishops on just war and nuclear weapons), 'The Many Faces of AIDS: A Gospel Response' (US Catholic Bishops on responding to the AIDS crisis). Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the Harm/Care moral foundation.

This foundation relates to sensitivity towards the suffering and well-being of others, likely evolving from the need to care for vulnerable offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the Fairness/Reciprocity moral foundation.

This foundation relates to concerns about justice, rights, and autonomy, based on reciprocal altruism. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the Ingroup/Loyalty moral foundation.

This foundation relates to forming cohesive groups and being loyal to them, fostering cooperation and self-sacrifice for the group. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the Authority/Respect moral foundation.

This foundation relates to recognizing and respecting legitimate authority, tradition, and social order. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the Purity/Sanctity moral foundation.

This foundation relates to valuing physical and spiritual cleanliness, avoiding contamination, and treating certain things as sacred. Signup and view all the answers

List three examples of topics addressed in official Catholic moral teaching documents.

Possible answers include: Death penalty, euthanasia, abortion (e.g., The Gospel of Life); environmental care (e.g., Laudato Si'); papal infallibility (e.g., Vatican I); sexual ethics; bioethics; just war. Signup and view all the answers

What are the five main sources of official Catholic moral teachings mentioned?

Why does Steven Pinker believe that human morality is improving?

He argues based on data showing long-term declines in violence (like wars and homicides) and improvements in human well-being (like reductions in extreme poverty, illiteracy, and infant mortality). Signup and view all the answers

What specific turning points does Steven Pinker identify as contributing to moral improvement?

Globalization (interconnecting the world through trade, which discourages war) and the shift in understanding wealth creation (away from land conquest towards innovation and cooperation). Signup and view all the answers

How can Steven Pinker's outlook on moral progress be described?

Optimistic. Signup and view all the answers

From which fields does moral psychology draw insights?

Developmental psychology, neuroscience, and many other disciplines. Signup and view all the answers

According to Lawrence Kohlberg, what do humans develop through six distinct stages?

An innate moral framework (specifically, structures of moral reasoning). Signup and view all the answers

Which researcher studied moral understanding in infants, finding preferences for 'good guys'?

Paul Bloom (associated with the 'Baby Lab' research). Signup and view all the answers

What did Paul Bloom learn about infants' moral inclinations?

That babies seem to prefer individuals who act helpfully ('good guys') and dislike those who act harmfully ('bad guys'). Signup and view all the answers

What did Paul Bloom discover about the role of culture in moral development?

He found that culture matters significantly in shaping moral development. Signup and view all the answers

Does Jonathan Haidt believe his six moral foundations are universal, and if so, how does he explain moral differences across cultures?

Yes, Haidt believes the six foundations are universal, but different cultures and individuals place varying emphasis on each foundation. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kurt Gray, what single concept can all morality be boiled down to?

Perceived harm. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kurt Gray, what is our shared moral template based on?

It is based on perceiving two minds: an intentional agent that causes harm, and a suffering patient who experiences it. Signup and view all the answers

According to Steven Pinker, how has the world changed over time regarding violence and principles?

He argues the world has steadily become less violent and more principled. Signup and view all the answers

According to Steven Pinker, what can the field of psychology help people understand as it progresses?

How we arrive at our own moral decisions and how other people arrive at theirs. Signup and view all the answers

What did Joshua Greene learn about the cognitive processes involved in morality?

He found that moral decision-making often utilizes the same general cognitive functions that people use for everyday, non-moral decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Paul Bloom's main research focus and findings in moral psychology.

Bloom studied moral understanding in infants, finding evidence that babies prefer 'good guys' over 'bad guys' and that culture significantly shapes moral development. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Jonathan Haidt's key ideas in moral psychology.

Haidt rejected the 'blank slate', proposed the 'first draft' concept with six moral foundations, developed three principles (intuition first, more than harm/fairness, morality binds/blinds), and used the Elephant & Rider metaphor. Signup and view all the answers

According to Haidt, why do different societies emphasize basic moral foundations differently?

Because they face different needs and challenges that shape which moral sensitivities become most important for social cohesion and survival. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Lawrence Kohlberg influenced by in developing his stage theory?

Jean Piaget. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Lawrence Kohlberg primarily study, and how did he conduct his research?

He primarily studied American males from childhood through adulthood, presenting them with moral dilemmas to solve. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the participants' responses to moral dilemmas was Kohlberg most interested in?

He was interested in the reasoning ('why') behind their solutions, not just the conclusion ('what') they reached. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kohlberg, what is the key concept underlying morality?

Justice, understood as impartiality and the recognition of equality. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the six stages of Kohlberg's theory.

Stage 1: Punishment/obedience (avoid punishment). Stage 2: Instrumental purpose (personal gain/reward). Stage 3: 'Good boy/girl' (please others). Stage 4: Law and order (maintain social order). Stage 5: Social contract (critically examined standards). Stage 6: Universal ethical principles (self-chosen abstract principles). Signup and view all the answers

Describe Level 1 (Pre-conventional) of Kohlberg's theory, including its stages.

This is a self-centered level typical of younger children. Stage 1 focuses on avoiding punishment from authorities. Stage 2 focuses on satisfying one's own needs and gaining rewards (instrumental exchange). Signup and view all the answers

According to Kohlberg, which stage of moral development do most people reach and tend to stay at?

Stage 4: Law and Order. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Carol Gilligan and what was her relationship to Kohlberg?

Gilligan was a psychologist who initially worked with Kohlberg but later developed her own theory of moral development, critiquing his approach. Signup and view all the answers

What key difference did Carol Gilligan propose between male and female approaches to morality?

Gilligan argued that females tend to prioritize an 'ethics of care,' focusing on relationships and responsibilities, while males (as reflected in Kohlberg's theory) tend to prioritize an 'ethics of justice,' focusing on impartiality, rights, and rules. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Lawrence Kohlberg's main contributions to moral psychology.

Kohlberg developed a six-stage theory of moral reasoning based on studies of males responding to moral dilemmas. He emphasized the development of justice reasoning as the core of morality, progressing through preconventional, conventional, and postconventional levels. Signup and view all the answers

For every action, what are there according to the sources of morality concept?

Three sources of morality Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the three sources of morality, what does 'the object' refer to?

The act itself (e.g., lying to your parents). Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the three sources of morality, what does 'the intention' refer to?

Your motive or why you performed the act (e.g., you lied to avoid getting in trouble). Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the three sources of morality, what do 'the circumstances' refer to?

Relevant conditions that affect the seriousness of the act or increase/decrease a person's responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

According to the 'three sources' model, how many sources must be good for an action to be considered morally good?

All three must be good. If any one source is bad, the entire action is considered morally bad. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'intrinsically evil' mean in morality?

Acts that are never morally good under any circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What type of moral approach does the 'Three Sources of Morality' represent?

Deontology Signup and view all the answers

What is 'discernment' in a moral or vocational context?

Determining what our specific call in life is. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'moral methods'?

General approaches to determining right and wrong. Signup and view all the answers

List the three main moral methods discussed.

Strict consequentialism, deontology, utilitarianism. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'strict consequentialism' as a moral method.

Considers only the consequences of actions; one should choose the action that yields the most favorable consequences. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'deontology' as a moral method.

Considers moral principles or laws before acting; asks, 'What are my duties/obligations?' Signup and view all the answers

Define 'utilitarianism' as a moral method.

Asks, 'What action produces the greatest amount of happiness or good for the greatest number of people?' Signup and view all the answers

Which two terms relating to right and wrong can often be used interchangeably?

Morality and ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'CDF' stand for and what was its historical predecessor?

Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, a Vatican Congregation formerly known as the Inquisition. Signup and view all the answers

Why are babies considered suitable subjects for research on innate morality?

They have not yet been significantly influenced by families, experiences, or education. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the general setup and findings of the Baby Lab experiments involving puppets.

Puppets were used in scenarios depicting good/bad actions, punishment of 'bad' puppets, and interactions with similar/dissimilar puppets. Findings indicated babies preferred good puppets, liked seeing bad puppets treated poorly, preferred similar puppets, and sometimes favored poor treatment for dissimilar puppets. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the setup and findings of the Baby Lab experiments involving resource allocation choices given to older children.

Older children were given choices about distributing resources, sometimes involving trade-offs between self-interest and fairness or generosity. Younger children often chose less for themselves if it meant another child got nothing, while older children demonstrated more generosity, sometimes prioritizing fairness over maximizing their own gain. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main conclusions drawn from the Baby Lab experiments regarding infant morality and social preference?

Babies show a basic sense of right/wrong, exhibit a preference for those similar to them, sometimes extending to desiring harm towards dissimilar others, possibly stemming from a self-preservation or 'natural selection' instinct. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Jonathan Haidt's concept of the 'first draft' of the moral mind.

Nature provides an initial version ('first draft') of morality, organized around six foundations. This draft is malleable and can be revised by experiences, culture, family, etc. Signup and view all the answers

According to Jonathan Haidt, what are the six foundations included in the 'first draft' of the moral mind?

Harm/care, fairness/reciprocity, ingroup/loyalty, authority/respect, purity/sanctity, and liberty/oppression. Signup and view all the answers

How do the terms 'malleable' and 'capable of revision' relate to Jonathan Haidt's 'first draft' concept?

They indicate that while everyone starts with the basic 'first draft' provided by nature, its development varies based on individual experiences, cultural influences, and upbringing. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Jonathan Haidt's analogy comparing moral receptors to taste buds on the tongue.

Just as the tongue has different receptors for distinct tastes (sweet, sour, etc.), humans have basic moral 'receptors' or sensitivities (the six foundations). This analogy highlights that morality involves more dimensions than just harm and fairness. Signup and view all the answers

What are Jonathan Haidt's three core principles regarding moral psychology?

<ol> <li>Intuitions come first, strategic reasoning comes second. 2) There's more to morality than harm and fairness. 3) Morality binds and blinds.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Explain Jonathan Haidt's first principle: 'Intuitions come first; strategic reasoning comes second'.

We often make rapid moral judgments based on gut feelings or intuitions. Rational explanations ('strategic reasoning') are typically generated afterward to justify the initial intuition, rather than being the primary driver of the judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Catholic perspective on Haidt's principle that intuition often precedes reasoning in moral judgment?

Catholic teaching emphasizes the importance of engaging in moral reasoning, even though it acknowledges that many people may often rely primarily on their initial gut feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Jonathan Haidt's second principle: 'There's more to morality than harm and fairness'.

This principle asserts that human morality encompasses multiple dimensions beyond preventing harm and ensuring fairness, including loyalty, authority, sanctity, and liberty (represented by his six foundations). Signup and view all the answers

Explain Jonathan Haidt's third principle: 'Morality binds and blinds'.

Shared moral values and commitments ('morality') can unite groups ('binds'), fostering cooperation. However, these same strong group moralities can make it difficult to understand or empathize with those holding different values ('blinds'). Signup and view all the answers

What main point about human psychology does Haidt's 'Elephant and Rider' metaphor illustrate?

It illustrates that automatic processes (the Elephant) largely guide human judgment and behavior, while conscious reasoning (the Rider) often serves to rationalize decisions already made by the Elephant. Signup and view all the answers

Name three examples of historical Ecumenical Councils.

The Council of Trent (counter-reformation), Vatican I (papal infallibility), and Vatican II (modernization, dialogue with the modern world). Signup and view all the answers

What are Papal Encyclicals?

Official letters written by the Pope, usually addressed to bishops or the entire Church, often responding to current issues. Signup and view all the answers

Give two examples of Papal Encyclicals and their topics.

<ol> <li>Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) by Pope John Paul II, addressing the death penalty, euthanasia, and abortion. 2) Laudato Si' by Pope Francis, focusing on care for the environment.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the evolution of the Catechism's teaching on the death penalty.

Previously (reflecting Pope John Paul II's encyclical), it was allowed in rare cases where it was the only way to defend society. The current teaching states it should never be used as it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person. Signup and view all the answers

What role do Vatican Congregations play in producing Church documents?

These are departments within the Vatican Curia that advise the Pope and issue documents on specific areas of Church life and doctrine (e.g., the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, CDF). Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of topics addressed in documents produced by Vatican Congregations.

Sexual ethics (non-marital sex, homosexual acts, masturbation), euthanasia (including end-of-life care like ventilators and feeding tubes), and bioethics (IVF, genetic interventions). Signup and view all the answers

What are Pastoral Letters in the context of the Catholic Church?

Letters written by individual bishops or groups of bishops (like a national conference) to provide guidance and teaching to the faithful in their specific region or context. Signup and view all the answers

Provide examples of Pastoral Letters and their subjects.

"Marriage is a Gift from God" (Bishop Malooly); "The Challenge of Peace" (US Bishops on just war and nuclear weapons); "The Many Faces of AIDS: A Gospel Response" (US Bishops on responding to the AIDS crisis). Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'Harm/Care' foundation in Haidt's moral foundations theory.

This foundation relates to sensitivity towards the suffering and well-being of others, motivating care and compassion. It's considered easily observable, possibly stemming from the long period of dependence in human offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'Fairness/Reciprocity' foundation in Haidt's moral foundations theory.

This foundation involves concerns about justice, rights, and equitable treatment or exchange. It's related to concepts like the Golden Rule ('treat others as you wish to be treated'). Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'Ingroup/Loyalty' foundation in Haidt's moral foundations theory.

This foundation relates to concerns about group cohesion, loyalty, patriotism, and self-sacrifice for the group. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'Authority/Respect' foundation in Haidt's moral foundations theory.

This foundation involves concerns about social order, respect for traditions, deference to legitimate authorities, and fulfilling role-based duties. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'Purity/Sanctity' foundation in Haidt's moral foundations theory.

This foundation relates to concerns about physical and spiritual cleanliness, avoiding contamination or degradation, and treating the body as a temple. Signup and view all the answers

List three distinct topics addressed by official Catholic moral teaching documents.

Death penalty/euthanasia (e.g., Evangelium Vitae), environmental care (e.g., Laudato Si'), papal infallibility (Vatican I). (Other valid examples include sexual ethics, bioethics, just war, marriage). Signup and view all the answers

Identify the five different sources of Catholic moral teachings mentioned.

Documents produced by Ecumenical Councils, Encyclicals, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, documents produced by Vatican Congregations, and Pastoral letters. Signup and view all the answers

On what basis does Steven Pinker argue that human morality is improving?

He analyzes historical data showing measurable improvements, such as declines in extreme poverty, illiteracy rates, infant mortality, and the frequency and deadliness of wars. Signup and view all the answers

What specific historical turning points does Steven Pinker identify as contributing to moral progress?

Globalization (interconnecting the world through trade and commerce, discouraging war) and the shift away from wealth being primarily derived from land. Signup and view all the answers

What is Steven Pinker's general outlook on the trajectory of human morality?

He is an optimist. Signup and view all the answers

From which disciplines does moral psychology draw insights?

Developmental psychology, neuroscience, and many other related disciplines. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kohlberg's theory, what develops through six distinct stages?

An innate moral framework or structure of moral reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What key findings did Bloom discover about infants' moral inclinations?

Babies tend to like 'good guys' (those who help) and dislike 'bad guys' (those who hinder). Signup and view all the answers

Beyond innate preferences, what did Bloom conclude about the role of culture in moral development?

He concluded that culture plays a significant role in shaping moral development. Signup and view all the answers

Does Jonathan Haidt consider his six moral foundations universal, and how does he explain variations between people?

Yes, he considers the foundations universal, but explains differences by noting that individuals and cultures place different emphasis on each foundation. Signup and view all the answers

What core concept did researcher Kurt Gray propose underlies all morality?

He proposed that all morality can be understood in terms of perceived harm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Kurt Gray's theory of morality?

Dyadic morality. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kurt Gray's dyadic morality, what two components form our shared moral template?

Two perceived minds: an agent that intentionally causes harm, and a patient (or victim) who suffers from it. Signup and view all the answers

According to Steven Pinker, how has the world changed over time in terms of violence and principles?

The world has steadily become less violent and more principled. Signup and view all the answers

According to Steven Pinker, what understanding can the field of psychology contribute regarding moral decision-making?

Psychology can help people understand how they arrive at their own moral decisions and how others arrive at theirs. Signup and view all the answers

What did researcher Joshua Greene learn about the cognitive functions involved in moral decision-making?

He learned that morality utilizes the same general cognitive functions that people use for everyday, non-moral decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Kurt Gray's main contributions to moral psychology, including his central thesis and theory name.

Kurt Gray proposed the theory of 'dyadic morality,' arguing that all moral judgments fundamentally boil down to perceptions of harm involving an intentional agent and a suffering patient. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Paul Bloom's research focus and key findings regarding infant morality and cultural influence.

Paul Bloom studied moral understanding in infants (Baby Lab) and found that even very young babies show preferences for 'good' actors over 'bad' actors. He also concluded that while some moral sense may be innate, culture plays a crucial role in shaping moral development. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly outline Jonathan Haidt's major contributions to moral psychology, including his key concepts and theories.

Jonathan Haidt rejected the 'blank slate' theory, proposing the 'first draft' concept built on six moral foundations (Harm, Fairness, Ingroup, Authority, Purity, Liberty). His Social Intuitionist Model includes three principles (Intuition first, More than harm/fairness, Morality binds/blinds) and uses the Elephant & Rider metaphor. Signup and view all the answers

According to Haidt's framework, why might different societies grow the basic moral receptors in different ways?

Different societies face different adaptive needs and challenges, leading them to emphasize or develop certain moral foundations (receptors) more strongly than others. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Steven Pinker's perspective on moral progress, including his reasoning, identified turning points, and view on psychology's role.

Steven Pinker is an optimist who argues, based on historical data (declines in violence, poverty, etc.), that the world is becoming morally better. He points to turning points like globalization and changing sources of wealth. He believes psychology can help understand how moral decisions are made. Signup and view all the answers

Which developmental psychologist significantly influenced Lawrence Kohlberg's work?

Jean Piaget. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the primary subjects and methodology used in Lawrence Kohlberg's research on moral development.

He primarily studied American males, following them from childhood into adulthood. His main method involved presenting them with hypothetical moral dilemmas (like the Heinz dilemma) and analyzing their reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

In analyzing responses to moral dilemmas, what aspect was Kohlberg primarily interested in?

The 'why' – the reasoning and justification behind the solution – rather than the 'what' (the specific answer given). Signup and view all the answers

According to Kohlberg, what fundamental principle is the key to morality?

Justice, understood as impartiality and the recognition of equality. Signup and view all the answers

Name the three main levels in Kohlberg's theory of moral development.

Preconventional, Conventional, and Postconventional. Signup and view all the answers

List Kohlberg's six stages of moral development in order.

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience. Stage 2: Instrumental Purpose/Exchange (Personal Gain). Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl (Approval). Stage 4: Law and Order (Maintaining Social Order). Stage 5: Social Contract/Individual Rights. Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the characteristics and stages (1 and 2) of Kohlberg's pre-conventional level of moral reasoning.

This level is self-centered. Stage 1 reasoning focuses on avoiding punishment from powerful authorities. Stage 2 reasoning focuses on satisfying one's own needs and making deals for personal benefit ('what's in it for me?'). Signup and view all the answers

Describe the characteristics and stages (3 and 4) of Kohlberg's conventional level of moral reasoning.

This level is group-centered. Stage 3 reasoning focuses on gaining approval and pleasing others ('being good'). Stage 4 reasoning focuses on upholding laws, rules, and social order for their own sake ('doing one's duty'). Signup and view all the answers

According to Kohlberg, which stage represents the typical endpoint of moral development for most adults?

Stage 4: Law and Order. Signup and view all the answers

What was Carol Gilligan's main critique of Kohlberg's theory, and what alternative perspective did she propose, particularly regarding gender differences?

Gilligan argued that Kohlberg's theory, based primarily on male subjects, overemphasized justice and impartiality. She proposed that females often approach morality from an 'ethic of care,' focusing on relationships, responsibility, and avoiding harm to others, contrasting with the male focus on abstract justice. Signup and view all the answers

Provide a brief overview of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory, including his research subjects, core concept, and structure.

Kohlberg studied moral development primarily in males using moral dilemmas. He proposed that humans develop an innate moral framework centered on the concept of justice through six distinct stages, grouped into three levels (Preconventional, Conventional, Postconventional). Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Three sources of morality (definition)

Three elements that determine if an action is right or wrong and influence seriousness of the act.

The object

The act itself.

The intention

Your motive or why.

The circumstances

Relevant conditions that (1) affect seriousness of the act or (2) increase/decrease a person's responsibility.