PSYC 273 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Moral Relativism, Moral Realism, Moral Development
Document Summary
Young children - focus on how actions affect them or the results of an action. Older children - recognize there is no absolute right or wrong, morality depends on intentions not consequences. Children as active contributors to moral development. Preconventional level: morality is externally controlled; focus on self-interest and outcome. Stealing will lead to punishment, so don"t steal. But, pro-stealing argument would also focus on self-interest and outcome. If you let your spouse remain sick, you will be blamed/viewed negatively by others. Conventional level: regard conformity to rules as important, but not because of self interest. Concern about maintaining standing with family, friends, and society (laws) On the other hand, citizens should obey the law. Postconventional: morality is based on abstract values that apply to all situations and societies, may lead to questioning laws and rules in a given society. Steal medicine, but shouldn"t go to jail.
