Discusses three core moral judgement ideas: (1) modern schema theory, (2) automatic decision-making frequency, and (3) implicit processes as the default mode of human information processing. Compares the Defining Issues Test (measures the beginnings of moral judgement) and the Lawrence Kohlberg Moral Judgement Interview (measures the highest level…

Draws on evidence from Alverno College's (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) longitudinal research to make the case that the Defining Issues Test (DIT) is best characterized as measuring growth in moral reasoning rather than a broader construct of moral development. Challenges current DIT theory, but is consistent with prevailing interpretations of growth on…

Reports on a study of 20 male and 20 female adults who responded to 2 forms of Kohlberg's tests. Concludes that the results are partially consistent with the possibility that Kohlberg's tests and scoring system are partially biased against females. (CFR)

Explores the role of observed parental affect and encouragement in children's empathy-related responding and moral behavior, specifically cheating on a puzzle activity. Finds that (1) parents' affect and encouragement positively related to children's sympathy (not empathy) and (2) boys' cheating on the puzzle correlated to parents' affect and…

This article discusses William James's notion, propounded in his "Varieties of Religious Experience" (1902), that authentic religious experience should be evidenced in mature moral functioning--"the value of saintliness". Support for this and his other ideas relevant to the intersection of morality and religion was adduced from a review of current…

According to Peters, there are five procedural principles crucial for moral education: worthwhile activities; consideration of interests; freedom; respect for persons; and truth-telling. This article argues that these principles are not critical for moral education and fail to address important issues, such as the question "What ought I to do?"…

After a brief discussion on the need for more effective teacher education programs in the United States, this research presents a first attempt to link moral and psychological education with a teacher training curriculum. Suggests that teacher education should adopt a developmental framework for both goals and instructional strategies. (Editor/RK)

Discusses a study involving experienced teachers that illustrates a developmental methodology for promoting technical performance dimensions and moral and conceptual reasoning. Argues this learning-teaching framework (LTF) uses role taking, guided inquiry, balance, support and challenge, continuity and instructional coaching in educational…

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)

There has been a trend in contemporary ethics to believe that a morally admirable agent would feel negative self-assessing emotions following even the best possible choice in a moral dilemma. A commonly held reason for holding this position is that agents who are well-brought up are trained to feel negative self-assessing emotions when they do…

Any democratic society must concern itself with the socialization of its citizens. This begins in childhood, and schools are critical to this process. The interrelations and roles of educating for character (character education, moral education) and educating for citizenship (citizenship education, civic education) are explored, largely in a North…

Considers need for disability-aware education for everyone with structural and curricular implications. Argues that to move toward a more ethical educational system, institutional discrimination must be dismantled. Discusses moral education of the disabled. Discusses recognition of alternative perspectives issues, building on life experience and…

Argues that Ben Spiecker and Jan Steutel's use of the term mental retard is offensive and using either the United Kingdom terminology of learning disabled or the internationally accepted term intellectually disabled are more acceptable. Addresses rights of the learning disabled to sexual freedom. Considers implications of these issues for moral…

Reports on a study of the effect of community service on 71 undergraduate students. Finds that community service work combined with discussion of relevant moral issues is an effective way of moving students into the postconventional stage of principled moral reasoning. Discusses other benefits of community service work. (CFR)

Studies the inference from Kohlbergian theory that content and structure in moral development are independent. Administered Kohlberg's moral dilemmas of life versus law, punishment versus conscience, and authority versus contract. Finds differences in choices and reasoning between students in private Christian schools and public schools, as well…