This Fall we will be conducting a research project focusing on moral psychology.

Question

This Fall we will be conducting a research project focusing on moral psychology. The goal of this first research project assignment is just to get you thinking about morality and moral psychology. Please write a paragraph or two addressing the following questions:

1. What is morality? What are some of the important factors that influence whether an individual acts in a moral or immoral manner?

For this first assignment you do not need to consult external references. Just answer the questions from your current thinking and what you know now. Hopefully as the semester continues your answers to these questions will develop and become more grounded in extant theory and research, but for now just answer from the “top of your head”.

Please use double-spacing and do not exceed than 1 double-spaced page.

Explanation / Answer

Morality is the principle concerning what is good and bad or what is right or wrong. There are a few ground rules set by every society and need to be followed in order to be aligned by the societal norms. Any deviation from the norms or the rules is considered to be immoral. Who decides on what is moral or immoral?

Well, it beings with a child who basis his moral judgment on the repercussions that would follow. A child feels that the actions that lead to reinforcement are good whereas the ones that lead to punishment are bad. The intention is not considered, it is about bad behaviour being unacceptable. An adult on the other hand basis his moral judgment by rationalizing without any preconceived thoughts attached to society or law. Morality is indeed subjective. Having said that, it does not mean that you do illegal things and say it's okay within your realm of morality. Acting in a moral or immoral way is extremely subjective. What may be immoral to me which is cheating, another couple may be cool with being in an open relationship. What may be in accordance with my morality may not seem moral to another person. The above factors must be considered before judging another person based on morality.

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