Refutes David Tukey's argument that the consensus theory of epistemic rhetoric reduces spiritual experience to a social construct which denies the possibility of a divine reality. Examines Walter Rauschenbusch's "A Theology for the Social Gospel" to prove that consensus theory accounts for religious beliefs, providing a useful framework…

Reports on a research study designed to explore the impact of life experiences upon the development of moral judgment. Concentrates on the noncollege context. Participants interviewed were selected from an established longitudinal sample. Findings suggested that while moral judgment scores may predict lifestyles, there are no certain experiences…

Provides brief overview of models of ethics training and addresses specific strategies for preventing counselor-client sexual contact (knowledge, activities promoting self-awareness, provision of climate that enhances moral development). Discusses responsibilities of training programs, including provision of clear statements of rights and…

Discusses care in relation to the Gilligan-Kohlberg debate, reviewing issues of gender and racial differences. Notes the "caring" professions are predominantly female. Uses examples from recent narrative and interpretive studies to address changing social contexts, caregivers and care recipients, and care's limitations and possibilities…

Discusses the role of education in the formation of student moral character, paying special attention to the problems presented by technological advancement. States that technological training must be accompanied by education in the ethical use of technology. Identifies teachers as the best agents to effect successful character development of…

Discusses the role of conscience in moral decisions and several approaches to moral education. Indicates that moral development is an interactive process between children and their environment and that empathy, delayed gratification, and the courage to withstand social pressure must be encouraged in the moral education of youth. (MAB)

Focuses on ways caregivers can promote the development of empathy in young children. Discusses the role of empathy in moral development, how empathy develops, and the influence of genetics and experience. Suggests that to promote development of empathy in children, teachers can model caring behaviors, name and interpret emotions, role play helpful…

Observed preschool children's social interactions with teachers and peers in the context of moral and prudential events. Four types of moral transgressions were observed--physical harm, psychological harm, property loss, and property damage--with the majority of transgressions pertaining to physical harm and property loss. Found gender differences…

Using hypothetical scenarios in which sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be transmitted, college freshmen and seniors were asked to explain why they believed the characters should or should nor engage in risky behaviors. Results indicated that seniors had a significantly higher stage of moral reasoning than the freshmen when responding to…

Views education as vital in reducing violence. Emphasizes Piaget's view of the aim of education--moral and intellectual autonomy--as the way to teach children to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. Discusses what Piaget means by autonomy, the changes it entails in classroom practices, and how these changes are likely to reduce…

Ethical issues related to rights of children to participate fully in their own mental health treatment decisions are examined. Clarifies concepts of children's rights in relation to legal and psychological aspects, discusses Kitchener's theory and model of moral judgment, and proposes ethical standards for moral reasoning in counseling children.…

Over one year, mothers observed the responses of their one-year-old children to distresses the children caused and witnessed in others. Children's prosocial behaviors, and reparative behaviors after they had caused distress, increased in frequency over the year. These behaviors were accompanied by changes in self-recognition. (BC)

Reports a study involving students who were exposed to an educational intervention curriculum designed to facilitate moral development. Describes a means of promoting moral reasoning through conceptualizing and integrating essential philosophical concepts. Concludes that the curriculum is effective in stimulating moral development and principled…

Discusses the work and philosophy of Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. Examines her belief in students' need to exercise correct thinking through sensory experience. Describes Montessori's views on the development of children's moral values through interaction. Identifies the upbringer's role as the active supervisor of children's…

Consistency of moral judgment across different dilemmas and social contexts and the relationship between the structure and content of moral judgment was studied for 40 men given hypothetical dilemmas. Findings demonstrate that type of dilemma may affect the structure of moral reasoning and illustrate various stages of moral reasoning. (SLD)