Two studies used a modification of the weakly interpretive scoring method of Langford and D'Cruz to examine judicial and legislative reasoning. Findings were in accord with modified versions of Piaget's and Kohlberg's views and contradicted Gibbs' theory. There were three stages of legislative reasoning between 7 and 21 years: heteronomy or…

Discusses nihilism as a characteristic of contemporary discourse regarding morality and moral education. Examines this discourse in light of Emmanuel Levinas' account of the primacy of ethics: absolute responsibility in the face of the other, of the asymmetry of relations to each other. (CAJ)

Compares narrative approaches to Kohlberg's theory of moral development along five dimensions: values relevance, legitimacy, universality, rationality, and commensurability. Argues that, contrary to Kohlberg's theory, narrative approaches may lead to contradiction in epistemology, nihilism in moral choices, and opportunism in relationships.…

Children's moral judgments, attributions of emotion, and their associations were examined in hypothetical, prototypical situations and situations of provocation and peer retaliation. Children judged prototypical and provoked moral transgressions (hitting and teasing). Hypothetical moral transgressions were judged to be more serious and deserving…

Discusses adolescent cheating at school, highlighting how parents can help them resist the temptation to cheat by: asking what stopped them from listening to the part of themselves that knew it was wrong to cheat and what it felt like to ignore that message; listening while they talk it over; determining the appropriate consequences; and modeling…

Examines use of traditional group psychotherapy format for specific purpose of helping religious and faith development in spiritually troubled clients. Reviews the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of the interreligious encounter group concept. Explores the dynamics of the group process and suggests experiences that help the…

Discusses the three elements of Kohlberg's work which contributed to the opening of a new level of dialogue between philosophers and psychologists. (Author/BB)

Argues that it is false to assume that morality can be taught and that increased moral sophistication will reduce recidivism in a causal sense. Suggests that the humanities are probably helpful in dealing with recidivism because they improve the way inmates "map" the world and their place in it. (Author/JOW)

Traces two accounts of moral maturation--love and reason--from Greek philosophy through Saint Augustine to Kohlberg. Considers that the moral perspective of any age level falls short of an entirely satisfactory conception of morality, allowing the possibility for moral wisdom in both children and adults. (SK)

The nature of skill, distinguished from habit, is sketched. Moral skill is defined as the skill, born of genetically rooted talent, which masterminds subsidiary skills into moral action (action conforming to certain moral principles). Training this skill is possible, but results will be uneven because talent varies. (IAH)

Examines the validity of the preconventional level of moral reasoning as conceptualized by Kohlberg in 8 subjects of 10-15 years. Results showed that a substantial number of arguments could not be matched to criterion judgments in the standard scoring manual. (RJC)

Argues for moral context in nursing education. Discusses steps taken at the University of Colorado School of Nursing to emphasize human caregiving in the curriculum. Also argues that the preferred future for nursing education is a postbaccalaureate program in human caring, health, and healing that leads to the nursing doctorate. (CH)

Compares "moral literacy" to cultural literacy, as both depend on prior knowledge. If we want youngsters to possess admirable character traits, then we must teach them what they are through stories and historical examples. Children cannot be expected to take messages about rules or morality seriously unless they see adults following the…

Claims that Campbell and Christopher's literature on moral development construes the cognitive-developmental and domain approaches too narrowly, overinterprets the influence of Kant, excludes other equally important non-Kantian philosophical influences, and ignores much of the research evidence. Describes the need for drawing distinctions in…

Claims that even if objections to eudaimonism are completely correct, critics still have not explained how anyone might develop a eudaimonistic moral conception. Concludes that moral personality is a legitimate object of study and discusses the challenges posed by taking moral personality seriously. (MOK)