The Moral Self PDF

The Moral Self Understanding The Self – Week 14 Intended Learning Outcomes At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to: Analyze moral development theories, such as Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral reasoning, and understand how individuals progress in their...

The Moral Self Understanding The Self – Week 14 Intended Learning Outcomes At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to: Analyze moral development theories, such as Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral reasoning, and understand how individuals progress in their understanding of ethical dilemmas; and, Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of morality and its influence on the formation of the moral self, encompassing ethical principles, values, and the sense of right and wrong. MORALITY  Definition: What is The term philosophy Philosophy? is derived from two Greek terms, namely “philia” meaning love and “sophia” meaning wisdom. In a literal sense, it means the love for wisdom. It involves seeking for the truth through questioning beliefs and assumptions of reality.  Branches of 1| Philosophy 4| Ethics 2| Metaphysics 5| Logic 3| Etymology Aesthetics  Definition: What is Ethics? Ethics is derived from the Greek word “ethos” which means custom, habit, or character. Cicero translated the Greek term into Latin with “mores” meaning morals. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that examines and evaluates concepts of right and wrong, moral duty, and the principles that govern human behavior. It is also concerned with understanding and determining what actions or behaviors are morally acceptable and justifiable. The three hardest tasks in the world are neither physical feats nor intellectual achievements, but moral acts: to return love for hate, to include the excluded, and to say, “I was wrong.” - Sydney J. Harris  Definition: What is encompassing Moral? It pertains to principles of right and wrong behavior, the distinction between good and bad actions and the values that underpin such judgments. It involves the consideration of ethical principles, cultural norms, and personal beliefs to navigate the complexities of human interactions.  Moral and Non-Moral MORAL STANDARDS Principles and values that Standards NON-MORAL STANDARDS Principles that guide guide people in determining behavior but do not what is morally right or necessarily involve ethical wrong considerations Provide a framework for May be related to ethical decision-making and preferences, social rules, behavior demands of etiquette, and good manners but do not inherently carry moral judgments Moral or Non-Moral Standards? Adhering to a daily routine of personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing. NON-MORAL STANDARD Moral or Non-Moral Standards? A business leader refuses to engage in corrupt practices, even if it may lead to short- term gains. MORAL STANDARD Moral or Non-Moral Standards? An employer ensures that all employees receive equal opportunities for professional development. MORAL STANDARD Moral or Non-Moral Standards? A student, faced with the opportunity to cheat on an exam, chooses not to do so. MORAL STANDARD Moral or Non-Moral Standards? Selecting a vegetarian or vegan diet based on health considerations or personal dietary preferences. NON-MORAL STANDARD  MORAL DEVELOPMEN T  What is Moral Moral developmentDevelopment? is the process through which individuals acquire and internalize a set of values, beliefs, and principles that guide their behavior in ethical and moral contexts. THE GRADUAL CHANGE IN THE UNDERSTANDING OF MORALITY.  Piaget’s Stages of Moral STAGES Development Stage 1: Heteronomous Pre-operational stage Morality Stage 2: Autonomous Concrete operational Morality stage and beyond  Stage 1: Heteronomous Also known as moral realism or other- directed morality, morality which is Morality imposed from the outside Moral reasoning is defined as the strict adherence to rules and authority figures. Rules are permanent and cannot be changed. Retributive justice or expiatory Jean punishment, immanent justice Piaget breaking the rules = negative punishments  Stage 1: Example: Heteronomous Andrew accidentally breaks a vase while playing in the living room. He might Morality believe that breaking the vase, even accidentally, is inherently wrong because it goes against the rule of not breaking things. He may fear punishment from authority figures and might not consider the accidental nature of the action.  Stage 2: Autonomous Also known as moral relativism, morality is based on a person’s own set of rules Morality Rules are made by people. Therefore, these can be changed through mutual agreement. Intention behind the action is as important as the consequence The purpose of punishment is Jean restitution, to put things right again. Piaget Justice is imperfect.  Stage 2: Example: Autonomous Sandra tells a small lie to avoid hurting a friend's feelings. She said that Morality she already has plans rather than admitting she doesn’t want to attend a social event. She might view the lie as morally acceptable since she believes it prevents unnecessary harm or maintains positive social relations, recognizing the complexity of social interactions.  Moral Dilemma A moral dilemma is a complex situation in which an individual faces conflicting moral principles, making it challenging to determine the ethically right course of action. It often involve situations where one’s decisions may lead to both positive and negative consequences, and the individual must navigate a moral gray area to make a choice.  Common Characteristics of Moral 1. the agent is required to do Dilemmas each of two (or more) actions which are morally unacceptable 2. the agent can do each of the actions 3. but the agent cannot do both (or all) of the actions; the agent thus seems condemned to moral failure; no matter what she does, she will do something wrong (or fail to do something that she ought to do)  The Heinz Dilemma Heinz’s wife is dying of a rare form of cancer. The only known cure is a special medicine that a local pharmacist has recently discovered. However, the pharmacist is charging an exorbitant price for the medicine, which Heinz cannot afford. Heinz has tried all legal means to acquire the medicine but has been unsuccessful in obtaining the funds needed. Now, Heinz faces a moral dilemma: Should he steal the medicine to save his wife’s life?  Kohlberg’s Stages of Levels Moral Development Stages Pre-conventional Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange Conventional Stage 3: Conformity and Interpersonal Relationships Stage 4: Authority and Social Order Post-conventional Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights Stage 6: Universal Principles  Stage 1: Obedience and Rules are Punishment fixed and absolute. Moral decisions are determined by consequences. The child will obey in order to avoid negative consequences. Lawrence Kohlberg  Stage 2: Individualism Instrumental orientation – people and Exchange are motivated by their own needs and interests. Moral decisions are made to satisfy one’s own desires or gaining personal benefits. Understanding the concept of reciprocity Lawrence Kohlberg “You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours.”  Stage 3: Conformity and Interpersonal Relationships Also known as good boy/good girl orientation Centers around maintaining positive relationships and interpersonal harmony Moral decisions are influenced by a desire to meet other people’s expectations and gain social Lawrence Kohlberg approval.  Stage 4: Authority and Social A person recognizes Order the importance of maintaining social order and respecting the established laws and institutions. Moral decisions are guided by a sense of duty, responsibility, and obligation to uphold societal norms. Lawrence Moral judgments are influenced by a Kohlberg respect for authority and a belief in the importance of following rules.  Stage 5: Social Contract and A person Individual acknowledges theRights existence of social contracts, agreements, and laws created by the community. There is an emphasis on the importance of democratic decision-making and the creation of just laws. Moral decisions are guided by a commitment to protecting individual rights and liberties. Lawrence Kohlberg  Stage 6: Universal At Principles this stage, individuals develop a strong sense of autonomy in their moral reasoning. Moral decisions are made in accordance with principles that prioritize fairness, equality, and respect for the inherent dignity of individuals. People may resist or challenge laws or societal practices that they Lawrence Kohlberg perceive as unjust or inconsistent with universal ethical principles.  Stages Examples Stage 1: Obedience and Heinz shouldn't steal the Punishment medicine because stealing is against the law, and he will get punished. Breaking the rules is always wrong. Stage 2: Individualism and Heinz should steal the Exchange medicine because it's for his wife, and he might get caught, but if he doesn't, it's worth the risk for her sake.  Stages Examples Stage 3: Conformity and Heinz should steal the medicine Interpersonal Relationships because he wants to maintain a good relationship with his wife, and saving her life is more important than following the law. Stage 4: Authority and Social Heinz should not steal the Order medicine because it would undermine the social order and the importance of respecting laws. We can't have people deciding which laws to follow.  Stages Examples Stage 5: Social Contract and Heinz should consider the societal Individual Rights contract and work towards changing the law. Stealing the medicine may be a temporary solution, but advocating for a fairer healthcare system is the long-term goal. Stage 6: Universal Principles Heinz should steal the medicine because preserving life and the inherent right to live are universal ethical principles that override any societal laws. The right to life is absolute.  Let’s analyze these situations. A person discovers a long-buried family secret that could significantly impact their relationship with their sibling. The revelation could bring closure to the family but may also lead to emotional distress. Should the person share or keep the secret?  Let’s analyze these situations. An employee at a large corporation uncovers evidence of widespread corruption within the company. Reporting the corruption could lead to positive changes but may also result in job loss and potential harm to the employee's career. Should the employee report the corruption or stay silent?  Let’s analyze these situations. A healthcare professional in a resource-strained environment must decide how to allocate life- saving medical treatment. Choosing one patient over another could have significant consequences for both individuals. Should the healthcare professional allocate the medical treatment to patients with higher chance of survival or distribute it equally to all the patients?  REFERENCES What is Philosophy? https://eddiejackson.net/web_documents/What%20Is%20Philosophy.pdf Introduction to Ethics. https://samples.jblearning.com/9781284144185/9781284267051_CH01_Pozg ar.pdf Introduction to Ethics. https://samples.jbpub.com/9781449649005/22183_ch01_pass3.pdf Mcleod, S. (n.d.). Piaget’s Theory Of Moral Development. https://www.simplypsychology.org/piaget-moral.html#:~:text=Piaget%20con ceptualizes%20moral%20development%20as,but%20in%20what%20they%2 0think. Practical Psychology (2023). Piaget's Theory of Moral Development (4 Stages + Examples). https://practicalpie.com/piagets-theory-of-moral-development/ Kvalnes, Oyvind. (2019). Moral Dilemmas. Doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-15191- 1_2.  REFERENCES Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-lifespandevelopment/chapter/kohlbe rgs-stages-of-moral-development/ Cherry, K. (n.d.). Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development. https://www.verywellmind.com/kohlbergs-theory-of-moral-development-2795 071