Examines the distinctions and interrelations between necessary and contingent knowledge and relates these concepts to the distinction between scientific and empirical validity. Considers how these distinctions can be applied to an understanding of morality, arguing for a relational rather than absolutist approach to questions of necessity. (JPB)

The relationship among substance abuse counselors' education, experience, recovery status, and cognitive development (conceptual complexity and moral reasoning levels) was examined in a simultaneous multiple regression. Significant relationships were found between counselors' level of conceptual complexity and moral reasoning and their education.…

Three experiments investigated five- and 10-year-old children's understanding of the conditions under which a person becomes committed to carrying out an intended action. Findings indicated that, although children from a very early age have the concept of commmitment, the understanding of the interpersonal conditions for becoming committed…

A method for reading Piaget is presented in this guide, written for practicing teachers who want better understanding of Piaget's writings. An account of a Piagetian experiment is given, followed by a discussion of its theoretical and practical implications. Eight topics are explored: number, measurement, knots, perspectives, coordinates, floating…

Explores parallels in children's moral and mathematical judgments. Considers how children coordinate these judgments with concepts of authority, particularly when using conventionally determined symbol systems to convey logical and social meanings. (JPB)

The purpose of this study is to examine the notion of a general structure in child development as seen through consistency in level of the child's response from task to task. It is hypothesized, first, that a child will show an internal orientation if he is in the final stage of development (object relevance); and second, that he will show an…