Moral Internalization Research Articles

Is superintelligence necessarily moral?

Abstract Numerous authors have expressed concern that advanced artificial intelligence (AI) poses an existential risk to humanity. These authors argue that we might build AI which is vastly intellectually superior to humans (a ‘superintelligence’), and which optimizes for goals that strike us as morally bad, or even irrational. Thus this argument assumes that a superintelligence might have morally bad goals. However, according to some views, a superintelligence necessarily has morally adequate goals. This might be the case either because abilities for moral reasoning and intelligence mutually depend on each other, or because moral realism and moral internalism are true. I argue that the former argument misconstrues the view that intelligence and goals are independent, and that the latter argument misunderstands the implications of moral internalism. Moreover, the current state of AI research provides additional reasons to think that a superintelligence could have bad goals.

Religiosity and moral judgment: Moderating role of moral internalization and moral competence

Religious beliefs strongly influence moral judgment, moral values, and priorities. In this article, we analyze the nature and genesis of utilitarian versus deontological moral judgment, the role of religiosity in human morality, and finally, we present empirical findings on the interrelationship between moral judgment, moral identity, moral competence, and religiosity. In a cross-sectional study, 318 individuals (65% female) completed self-report psychometric scales, including Moral judgment scenarios, Moral Competency Index (MCI), and the Self-Importance of Moral identity (SIMI) scale. The study results show that religiosity has a predictive power for deontological moral judgment. Furthermore, bootstrapping analysis confirmed that moral competence and moral identity moderate the relationship between religiosity and deontological moral judgment. The result fits in the deontological coherence framework, evidencing that the association between consequential/deontological moral judgment and religiosity is not rigid and predetermined, but changes on a different level of moral competency and moral internalization. The study results are important to understand the contextual variables and complementary mechanisms that affect the relationship between morality and religiosity.

The Process of Professional Ethics Development in Midwifery Students: A Grounded Theory Study.

Midwives are faced with important ethical issues in their professional lives; therefore, becoming a midwife is not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills but also includes acquiring moral values that cause fundamental changes in their attitudes toward their professional responsibilities. The aim of this study was to explore the process of professional ethics development in midwifery students. This grounded theory study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. The participants included 17 midwifery students and 14 key informants. They were selected through purposeful and theoretical sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews, field notes, and theoretical notes until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data collection and data analysis were performed simultaneously. Data were analyzed based on the grounded theory presented by Corbin and Strauss (2014) using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020. The core category was "interactive-cognitive learning in a two-way reasoning path" which addressed the participants' main issue of moral numbness. Moral distress, interactive-cognitive learning, moral reasoning, and moral hopelessness were the midwifery students' strategies that led to a spectrum of moral internalization to moral burnout. The improper context of moral development was the context theme of this study. The theory of "interactive-cognitive learning in the two-way path of reasoning" creates a deep understanding of the process of formation of professional ethics in midwifery students and it can be used in the effective training of students with the aim of promoting professional ethics in midwifery.

Moral Internalisation Influences the Attentional Bias to Smoking and Non-Smoking Stimuli in Malaysian Youth

The youth age group is a phase of life associated with risk-taking behaviour and challenging moral issues. This study aimed to provide electrophysiological evidence that could explain the interaction between attentional bias towards the health-risk of smoking and non-health risk behaviour stimuli as influenced by various levels of moral identity. Seventy eight eligible subjects (mean age of 22 + 2.1 years old) participated in the event-related potential session. Attentional bias towards the visual stimuli was determined by recording the N200 brain potential while participants emotionally reacted to the target (health-risk of smoking, nonhealth risk behaviour) and non-target (neutral) stimuli. N200 was extracted and analysed by using a mixed-design analysis of variance with target and non-target stimuli as within subject effects and types of moral identity as between subject effects. Attentional bias towards visual stimuli interacted significantly with the different levels of moral identity in the central part of the brain. High internalisation trait indicated shorter N200 latency when reacted to the health-risk of smoking stimuli than the non-health risk behaviour stimuli. An important insight regarding to moral psychology in relation to youth health risk behaviour was highlighted to focus for the development of the health promotion and education in future.

Analysis of Sexual Health Education in the Film “Dua Garis Biru” and its Urgency on Moral Internalization for Adolescents

Teenagers now experience a flood of information that continues to overflow every day. In the hands of teenagers, sex information is now easy to get. Even for those who don't intend to look for it, sometimes sex information circulates on their search engine homepage. It is so easy to find sex information, exposing teenagers to negative perceptions about sex. This is because most of the circulating sex information leads to pornography. This research raises one of the themed films of sex education, entitled "Dua Garis Biru" which was made to ward off misinterpretation of sex. This is considered by some as a bright spot to make people aware of the importance of sex education to build morale for their children. This study aims to identify sex education in the film "Dua Garis Biru". In addition, the depicted adolescent personalities were analyzed using the basis of their psychosocial and psychosexual theories. After that, identify how the process of moral internalization in adolescents by basing it on their cognitive development model. All of these theories will explain how sex is related to culture, and then affect moral development. This research is qualitative research using observation and documentation techniques in data collection. It used content, semiotic, and framing analysis which used sexual health, and social approaches. The results obtained from this study show that there are values of sex education related to moral internalization in the film "Dua Garis Biru". The value of sex education is contained in several messages such as the meaning of virginity, the danger of abortion, the reality of pregnancy in adolescents, and the negative effects of early marriage.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA PENGHAYATAN AKHLAK DENGAN KECERDASAN EMOSI DALAM KALANGAN MURID SEKOLAH MENENGAH

Symptoms indicating a lack of akhlak internalization and deterioration of emotional intelligence such as violence, crime, drug abuse, depression among children and adolescents, abandonment of babies, school bullying, school truancy and dropouts, nutritional diseases and so on are still prevalent. In this regard, this study was conducted to identify the internalization of akhlak and emotional intelligence involving 108 Form Three Muslim students as respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires and descriptive analysis i.e. percentage and mean were used for the analysis of distributions such as demographics and levels of akhlak internalization and emotional intelligence. An independent t-test analysis was used to analyse differences in akhlak internalization based on gender while a one-way ANOVA test was used to determine the difference in akhlak internalization based on class position. In addition, correlation analysis was used to analyse the relationship between akhlak internalization and emotional intelligence among students. From the descriptive findings, the level of akhlak towards the environment dimension showed the highest mean compared to other dimensions while for the level of emotional intelligence, the self-motivation dimension showed the highest mean value compared to other dimensions. An independent t-sample test found that there was no significant difference in akhlak internalization based on gender. However, the ANOVA test showed that there was a difference in akhlak internalization based on class position. Further analysis of the post hoc test found that the akhlak internalization of students in Form 3A4 was higher than the moral internalization of students in Form 3A3. Correlation Test, on the other hand, showed that there was a significant relationship between akhlak internalization and emotional intelligence. This study has implications for all parties on the importance of akhlak practices in improving students' emotional intelligence. Therefore, programmes related to fostering akhlak internalization and intelligence should be implemented more regularly and efficiently.

Exploring the relationship between purpose and moral psychological indicators

ABSTRACT In the present study, I explore the relationship between purpose, which was measured by the Claremont Purpose Scale, and moral psychological indicators, moral reasoning, moral identity, and empathy. Purpose was quantified in terms of three subcomponents: meaning, goal, and beyond-the-self motivation. Moral reasoning was assessed in terms of utilization of postconventional moral reasoning. Moral identity was examined with two subscales: moral internalization, and symbolization. Among diverse subscales of empathy, I focused on empathic concern and perspective taking, which have been reported to be strongly related to morality. To explore the best prediction models using the data, I employed Bayesian Model Selection and Bayesian regression analysis. In general, purpose was significantly predicted by most surveyed moral psychological indicators but not by moral symbolization. The best prediction model for beyond-the-self motivation included the most moral psychological indicator predictors including moral reasoning, which did not significantly predict other dependent variables.

PARENTAL DISCIPLINARY PRACTICES SEEN THROUGH CHILDREN'S EYES

Although the word discipline, derived from the word disciplining, means teaching or training, it is associated with the application of punishments aimed at correcting inappropriate/improbable behavior (Knox, 2010, Larzelere & Kuhn 1993 cited in Zoysa, 2011). There is undeniably a special interest in parental disciplinary practices (DPP) (Straus & Stewart 1999) within several disciplines. In a country where the physical punishments are considered efficient and normal, presenting the realities regarding the way children are disciplined is more than necessary, it is almost vital. Starting from the premise that adults tend to become their parents (Zoysa, 2011, Fink, 2014), we are interested in finding out to what extent these milestones in education are still respected and how adolescents perceive DPP. 252 students answered online questionnaires and 48 teenagers participating in group discussions confirmed the cognitive theories according to which the focus in parental discipline must fall on moral internalization and autonomy (Baumrind, 1978, Grusec & Kuczyuski 1997). Internalization, along with the maintenance of the child's self-esteem and the parent-child relationship represents the, goals and finalities in fact of the application of effective disciplinary techniques (Grusec, Goodnow, 1994).

Pendidikan Moral melalui Pembelajaran Kitab Al-Akhl?q li Al-Ban?n

Islamic education basically contains a lot of moral values in the scope of its study, because Islam has come to bring some moral guidelines which are reflected in the words and actions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. This study aims to examine moral education through the study of the book al-Akhl?q li al-Ban?n by Sheikh Umar Baraja. This study uses a qualitative method with the type of library research. Researcher analyzed written literature as the main source in the form of classic books, books, research journals, and other publication media. Based on this literature review, it shows that moral education through learning the book of al-Akhl?q li al-Ban?n adds character education innovation in the midst of today's moral decadence. Learning the book of al-Akhl?q li al-Ban?n must be accompanied by other methods of moral internalization to achieve maximum results.

The Influence of Message Framing on Residents' Waste Separation Willingness-The Mediating Role of Moral Identity.

With serious environmental problems increasing, waste separation has drawn much attention. Message framing is an important way to popularize separation knowledge and increase people’s separation willingness. Message framing was classified into positive and negative frames in this study, and then based on moral identity theory from the social cognitive perspective, two dimensions of moral identity were introduced as mediating variables to construct a mechanism model of the influence of message framing on waste separation willingness. After a comparative study of three groups of subjects (N = 604), the following conclusions were drawn: (1) message framing positively influenced moral identity and waste separation willingness; (2) both positive and negative message framing positively influenced waste separation willingness through the partial mediating role of moral identity symbolization and internalization; and (3) the mediating role of symbolization was stronger in the effect of positive message framing on waste separation willingness, while the mediating role of internalization was stronger in the effect of negative message framing on waste separation willingness. The findings provide significant information for organizations to effectively carry out message strategies.

Living Qur’an Dan Hadis Di Tk Syarif Ar-Rasyid Islamic School Medan (Studi Tentang Internalisasi Akhlak)

This study aims to analyze the readiness of children in efforts to internalize morals through the Living Qur'an and Hadith, efforts to internalize morals by teachers through the living Qur'an and Hadith, parental participation in efforts to internalize morals through living. This research was conducted at TK Syarif Ar-Rasyid Islamic School Medan. The research method used is qualitative using a phenomenological approach. Data collection techniques used interviews, observations, and documentation studies. Data analysis uses data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that Syarif Ar-Rasyid Islamic School Medan Kindergarten students were prepared to accept the process of moral internalization through living Qur'an and Hadith activities. This is evident from the physical and psychological readiness possessed by students. (2) Efforts to internalize morals are carried out in two forms, namely integrated with learning, and outside learning. There are four steps of moral internalization, namely moral determination, practice, habituation, and natural appearance. The media used are posters, MP3 Murotal short suras. The evaluation of moral internalization uses the technique of observing children's developmental achievements. (3) Parental participation is carried out through controlling children's development, supporting and facilitating children's activities, semester meeting activities, getting used to the same attitude at home, participating in parenting recitations.
 
 Keywords: Internalization of Akhlak, Living Qur'an and Hadith, Early Childhood

The effect of positive reciprocity in the relationship between college students' moral identity and moral behavior

We explored the mediating mechanism of positive reciprocity in the relationship between moral identity and moral behavior, using data obtained from a survey of 567 college students. The results indicate that moral identity internalization, moral identity symbolization, and overall moral identity were positively correlated with positive reciprocity and moral behavior. In addition, positive reciprocity was positively correlated with moral behavior. Further, moral identity internalization moderated the influence of moral identity symbolization on moral behavior, and this moderating effect was partially mediated by positive reciprocity. Specifically, the effect of moral identity symbolization on moral behavior through positive reciprocity was strong among individuals with higher moral identity internalization, but weak among individuals with lower moral identity internalization. Overall, the study findings reveal how moral identity affects moral behavior, which has implications for improving the structure of ideological and moral education in colleges and universities.

Study on the Promoting Mechanism of Teachers' Ethics Internalization in Universities

On the basis of clarifying the teachers' Ethics internalization theory, this paper analyzes the typical dilemma in teachers' Ethics internalization . To resolve these problems, this paper construct an overall framework, including security mechanism, normative mechanism, education mechanism, evaluation mechanism and supervision mechanism, which the external conditions are used to constantly strengthen the moral needs of the subject,then enhance the consciousness of moral internalization, improve the effectiveness of teachers' moral construction.

Adolescent perceptions of inductive discipline as a response to peer aggression: Variation by socialization agent and individual characteristics

AbstractInductive discipline can reduce problem behavior and promote moral internalization in children, but its role in reducing peer aggression in adolescence is less well‐understood, especially across diverse socialization agents. Using hypothetical vignettes, this study examined adolescents’ evaluations of and expected emotional reactions to parents’, teachers’, and friends’ inductive responses to peer aggression. Participants were 209 middle school (Mage = 12.29 years) and 266 high school (Mage = 15.86 years) students (68% female, 39.4% White, and 37.7% Black). Adolescents approved of induction and expected it to be somewhat effective at preventing peer aggression and inducing guilt and empathy. When compared with power assertion, adolescents typically viewed induction as the fairer but less effective strategy. Evaluations varied by socialization agent, aggression status, and demographics. Inductions by parents were rated consistently as most impactful and youth who were younger, female, and less aggressive appeared more responsive to such discipline. Results highlight the importance of incorporating parents into peer aggression interventions, combining confrontive and inductive responses, and providing aggressive youth with additional skills to help them better internalize the inductive messages.

Heightening of moral identity: The role of mobile prosocial messages and presence

ABSTRACT This study investigated the relationship between prosocial messages, the degree of presence induced from different message types and the heightening effect of moral identity. A total of 96 students were pre-tested with a moral identity scale and assigned to three experiment groups and one control group. Each of the experiment groups was exposed to a series of prosocial messages designed with different message characteristics daily. After 9 days the participants were subjected to moral identity and presence measures. Overall, presence design is key to heightening moral identity. Prosocial messages heightened moral identity symbolization significantly in two of the experiment groups and as expected, no significant changes occurred in the control group. Picture with text (PT) and narrative text (NT) prosocial messages heightened moral identity symbolization more than short text (ST) prosocial messages. Perceived presence mediates the relation between the pre-moral identity symbolization and post-moral symbolization but not moral internalization.

Explaining Happy Victimizing in adulthood

While acknowledging the phenomenon of “happy victimizing” (HV), the classical explanation is questioned and challenged. HV is typically explained by a lack of moral motivation (MM) that is thought to develop in late childhood and adolescence. Apart from empirical evidence for widespread HV in adulthood, there are also strong theoretical arguments against the classical explanation. Firstly, there are arguments against the coherence of the very concept of MM. Secondly, while the classical explanation focuses on internal drivers (in the sense of MM), the one proposed in the present paper focuses on the patterns of interaction. Accordingly, HV may depend less on internalised values and individual motivation (whether in terms of moral internalism or moral externalism), and more on the “rules of the game” that are established in social interaction (or not). On this account, HV appears where higher order moral rules are not established and cannot be established, either due the circumstances or due to the unwillingness (or incapability) to play by the rules of these higher order games (where “games” are to be understood in the game-theoretic sense).  The ordinary one-shot prisoners’ dilemma is a case in point. It precludes promise-giving as well as other higher order moral regimes, but instead forces the agents into a conflict of interest, where everyone has to mind their own business. Moreover, claiming that all players have to pursue their own self-interest, can be understood as moral rule of its own.

Morality and Perception of Corruption

Because of its very nature, corruption is hard to be measured, and thus most indices rely on people’s perception of it. However, judgments are known to be biased, and therefore perception of corruption may not reflect actual corruption. Nevertheless, how individuals perceive corruption is important: the perception that corruption is high can cause mistrust among individuals, and it may actually affect corruption. Thus, in this paper, we investigate what affects people’s perception of corruption. We find that individuals with a high moral identity internalization and those endorse the individualizing foundations of morality tend to perceive corruption to be greater.

Moral Rationalism and Moral Motivation

Several prominent philosophers believe that moral facts are facts about what reasons we have, and that this entails that moral judgments are necessarily and inherently motivating. According to this argument, if morality cannot move us, then it is hard to understand how it could be sensibly regarded as action-guiding or normative. That is, they endorse a traditional argument for motivational judgment internalism based on moral rationalism. This paper criticizes this argument, and argues instead that there is no necessary or conceptual connection between moral facts and motivation. First, I formulate MJI as the thesis that moral judgments are necessarily and inherently motivating, and introduced several refinements designed to accommodate some plausible exceptions to the initial formulation. I then introduce MR as the thesis that moral facts are identical with or analyzable in terms of facts about requirements of reason. MR is ambiguous between an interpretation that analyzes moral requirements in terms of motivating reasons, and is also subject to various possible refinements, and an interpretation that proceeds in terms of justifying reasons. Finally, I argue that neither interpretation entails any interesting or plausible formulation of MJI. If the argument of this paper are sound, then there is no important connection between moral rationalism and motivational internalism.

The Impact of Workplace Mentors on the Moral Disengagement of Business Student Protégés

Educators and practitioners often raise the question of whether business schools sufficiently prepare students to stay morally engaged when faced with ethical dilemmas in the workforce. Specifically, they criticize the theoretical nature of traditional in-class exercises for inhibiting students’ moral development. We investigate the impact working business mentors have on business student moral disengagement. We collected three waves of data from an 8-month formal mentoring program that matched business students with working mentors from the business community. We found that student protégé moral disengagement decreased during the mentoring program as a function of mentor ethical leadership skills, moral identity internalization, and moral awareness. Consequently, we recommend that mentoring programs pay close attention to these mentor characteristics to elevate business student moral reasoning and avoid unintended negative consequences. To guide mentoring programs in this endeavor, we provide specific recommendations for structuring a training program that focuses on improving mentor critical thinking, moral awareness, and ethical leadership.

Sadism and Cyber Aggression: Moral Identity as a Possible Moderator

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to establish the construct validity of short sadistic impulse scale (SSIS) in the Indian context. The relationship between sadism and cyber aggression was explored outside the western world directly as well as through the moderation of moral self-identity. Finally, the study investigated the relationship between moral identity and cyber aggression. The sample of study was comprised of 308 adolescents aged 16–19 years. Participants completed the SSIC, cyber aggression questionnaire, and moral identity scale to measure sadism, cyber aggression, and moral identity, respectively. Pearson correlation and moderation regression analysis were used to investigate the relationships among them. Results show that SSIS is a valid tool in the Indian context, sadism has a direct relationship with cyber aggression and moral identity internalization moderates the relationship between sadism and cyber aggression. Moral identity was found to be positively correlated with cyber aggression.