Underlines two major differences between moral judgments and moral behavior. For behavior, the moral situation is construed from an observer's perspective after the event and typically involves conflicts between moral and other kinds of pressures. For judgment, the situation is interpreted from the self's perspective in advance and often involves…

Comments on the issues introduced by Saltzstein (PS 522 554) in this issue. Elaborates on Saltzstein's proposed social cognitive factors that may account for discrepancies between moral reasoning and action, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. (AA)

Examined children's obligatory moral judgments, which reflect a moral requirement, and discretionary moral judgments, which reflect moral worthiness but not a requirement. Children were interviewed in response to three stories that entailed positive and negative morality. Results showed that moral acts conceived of by children as being obligatory…

Describes two different approaches to ethical decision making and argues that reliance on one style over another is unsatisfactory. Discusses the views of Carol Gilligan and other feminist philosophers to illustrate the contrasting method and content seen as appropriate to moral reflection. (CFR)

The role of narrative and dramatic processes in mediating and shaping both moral judgment and moral action, two processes central to moral development, is examined. The notion of the "moral audience," in which individuals seem to rehearse, review, and redefine their moral actions, is proposed and illustrated. (LB)

Applied ethics courses in education emphasize an analytical or rules/principles approach to resolving ethical dilemmas, whereas character/structure and background beliefs/ideals tend to be minimized. The article describes the importance of all three approaches, noting their implications for developing teachers' capacities to make caring and…

Discusses an evolutionary approach to human morality. Emphasizes the rapid development of brain weight, neural circuits, and synaptic systems during early childhood. Concludes that the human brain has resources for generating responsible, caring behavior but must be nurtured and educated. Urges that moral training in a proper social climate be…

A Texas A & M University study found that using a series of short films and weekly discussions of medical ethics issues was an effective way of improving medical students' moral reasoning skills and that students with longer exposure to the course (n=37) developed better skills than those with shorter exposure (n=48). (Author/MSE)

Examines a tendency on the part of some children to demand privileges and possessions without working to earn them. Adults, especially parents and teachers, should show young people the correlation between what a person has and what he earns. (SH)

Explored possible link between development of moral reasoning/behavior and metacognition. Examined awareness of moral processes involved in moral reasoning and behavior in 139 adolescents in grades 7, 9, and 12. Found number of significant moral metacognition-reasoning-behavior correlations. Findings support notion that specific types of metamoral…

Eighth graders (n=138) and college students (n=49) read and recalled four complex moral narratives in which moral arguments at different Kohlbergian stages were embedded. Participants with higher reasoning scores on a test of moral judgment development reconstructed more high-stage moral arguments during recall. (SLD)

Reports on two studies of adult moral development, experiences, and education: (1) a longitudinal investigation of moral judgment and reported moral experience and (2) an outcome study on the impact of a moral intervention project with adult undergraduate students. Provides some conclusions applicable to teaching adult moral development. (DSK)

Two studies examined how moral judgment and cultural ideology combine to predict moral thinking in members of a conservative church and a liberal church, and in a secular sample of university undergraduates. Found that a combination of religious ideology, political identity, and moral judgment predicted the church members' opinions on human-rights…

Contends that students must understand the foundations of ethical reasoning in order to develop the ability to think critically about ethical issues. Discusses three foundations upon which all ethical reasoning must rest: (1) a sound understanding of ethical concepts and principles; (2) the knowledge that ethics is different from other domains of…

This article from 1855 discusses the validity of signing for individuals with deafness and the need to develop an instinctive "language of gestures" to enable them to profit by the experiences of others and to share in social communion. The need for sign language to communicate religious instruction is emphasized. (CR)