Moral Understanding Research Articles

Tempering Medicine with Mercy: How Moral Luck Promotes More Equitable Healthcare Decisions

The concept of moral luck challenges our traditional understanding of morality, responsibility, and accountability in healthcare. It forces us to confront the reality that many factors that influence health outcomes and medical decisions are beyond our control. By recognizing the role of luck in health outcomes, we can promote a more compassionate, equitable approach to healthcare — one that acknowledges the complex interplay of factors that shape our lives and our decisions.

Moral challenges and understanding of clinical ethics in Tanzanian hospitals: Perspectives of healthcare professionals.

Healthcare professionals encounter many moral challenges in their daily clinical practice. However, there have been few studies on the subject matter in Tanzania. This study aims to provide an account of moral challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Tanzanian hospitals, their understanding of clinical ethics, and the ethics education they have received. Many participants reported receiving some kind of ethics training through formal education and on-the-job training. Some participants understood ethics in healthcare settings as adherence to established laws, regulations, guidelines, procedures, norms, and rules essential in clinical practice. Analysis of the data identified four themes of moral challenges. These challenges are related to 1) decision-making and communication in clinical practice, 2) scarcity of medical resources and prioritization in clinical practice, 3) withdrawal of curative treatment, and 4) conflicts between professional judgment, religious convictions and adherence to alternative treatments. Based on the findings, we suggest a context-sensitive form of clinical ethics training to prepare healthcare professionals to recognize and address these moral challenges.

Evolutionary development of mother-child scaffolding for moral comprehension.

This evolutionary developmental study employed an experimental recursive narrative ecological niche, comparing scaffolded mother-child (5-year-old) pairs to unassisted controls as they independently viewed and discussed a realistic fictional family video depicting a father-daughter emotional conflict over the girl's risky behavior, which violated harm/care and fairness/justice moral foundation norms. A microgenetic analysis was conducted on a selected variant pair that demonstrated high adaptive fitness in the niche by employing developmentally advanced cooperative scaffolding tools. The conversational ecosystem phase was characterized by repeated maternal theory-oriented "why" questions and coordinated child causal responses, forming a joint epistemic investigation that facilitated the child's moral understanding of the characters' responsibilities and motives. The pair used quasi-justice procedures to gather evidence, judge, and construct moral attributes for the characters. Their conversational mechanism was supported by mutual mindreading, mental time travel, and empathic communications, as they interacted simultaneously with each other and the story characters. A narrative ecological scaffolding theory emerged, establishing a standard for cooperative epistemic scaffolding between the mother and the child. Future training programs should utilize the Zone of Proximal Development method to instruct similar parent-child pairs.

A Moral Dilemma of “Selling Out”: Race, Class, and Career Considerations among Elite College Students

Abstract Research on occupational choice focuses on individualistic work values and emphasizes economic returns. Drawing from 62 in-depth interviews with Asian, Black, and White first-generation, low-income (FGLI), and middle-class students at an elite university, I argue that students’ career decisions comprise a moral dimension. How students contended with this dimension varied based on the intersection of their racial and class backgrounds. Specifically, patterns broadly align with two categories: contingent objections to certain high-prestige, high-paying careers arising from individual priorities or concern for social good, and linked obligations to broader collectivities, such as ethnoracial groups or families. While students across all racial and class backgrounds raised objections based on different individual priorities, FGLI students primarily mentioned objections based on the value of social good. Across class backgrounds, Asian and Black students more often cited obligations based on ethnoracial uplift compared to their White peers. Asian and Black FGLI students prioritized family contributions more strongly than their White FGLI counterparts. Paradoxically, some students used these evaluative logics to justify “selling out” in pursuit of high-prestige, high-paying jobs, whereas others used these justifications to reject them. This study furthers understanding of the cultural processes behind social inequalities and highlights how the intersection of race and class shapes moral understandings.

Can Business Ethics and Political Ethics Close/Narrow the Gap Between Morality and Economic Development-Power?

Can business ethics and political ethics solve the problems in business and politics caused by people's lifelong pursuit of economic and political power throughout their lives? This study, which we have built around this question, basically aims to present an analysis of the ethical violations and problems encountered in business and politics, two important areas of human experience, and the ethical emphasis developed to prevent them. In business; working, doing business, trading and pursuing pure profit and taking these as ends in themselves raise a wide variety of ethical problems in society and business life. There have been some recommendations of business ethics to solve these problems. In politics, on the other hand, we also face problems caused by the notion that public morality can be ignored, lies can be told when necessary, and any path that leads to political goals can be considered legitimate. This article argues that it is not possible to fully solve moral violations and problems in the fields of economy and politics with business ethics and political ethics. This is because the understanding of morality / ethics and human understanding underlies these problems is problematic. Utilitarianism, which was developed in the 17th century and is the moral philosophy of the English-speaking world, was formulated by Bentham and Mill and takes into account the general benefit of society on the basis of pleasure. It is an approach that does not see virtues, which are the backbone of morality, as essential because it accepts social interest and pleasure as the basis. Again, an understanding of humanity that sees people as beings with pure ambition and egoism, such idea that regards man is a wolf to man, and that is based on the motto that big fish eats the litle, is an understanding of humanity that excludes the altruism, which is characteristic of morality. If we want to fundamentally solve ethical problems in the fields of economics and politics, we need an approach that considers virtues and altruism as essential. This study emphasizes that the understanding of virtue of Aristotle and Islamic philosophers should be taken as a basis in solving problems in the field of economics and politics. It concludes that elements such as property, wealth and position, which are also at stake in the fields of economy and politics, have instrumental rather than values. Our article is a problem-oriented, partly systematic analysis, compilation article. Our study is based on the idea of shaping economic and political life from the perspective of virtue ethics.

Corporate Morality: A Systematic Review and Future Research Directions

The purpose of this study is to systematically review previous research on corporate morality, which is still under-researched. This research is to fill the literature gap and become a comprehensive understanding of corporate morality in the business environment. This study searched all publications examining corporate morality published from 1988 - 2023. A total of 13 studies from 23 articles were found from the Scopus database. This study found that corporate morality is the moral and ethical principles adopted by a company to direct its business actions and decisions. In addition, the findings of this study also managed to establish several factors that make up corporate morality as antecedents and impacts of corporate morality. However, this literature review only uses 1 database, namely Scopus, so further research can expand the scope of articles reviewed by using other data sources. This research contributes to helping academics and practitioners create more moral business plans.

Refugee Crisis, News Crisis: The Framing of Episodic and Thematic Articles

A main tenet of 21st Century journalism is to engage the public with highly informative and affective content. Through sociological journalistic processes of creating news content, however, audiences may lose the ability to completely conceptualize the level of human suffering observed in the coverage of refugee crises. This experimental survey tested the use of episodic and thematic frames in formatting American news articles about the Syrian refugee crisis of migrants landing on Grecian shores. It found that episodically framed articles increased moral understanding among Americans, as well as overall engagement in the crisis event. Respondents, however, were not more likely to participate in civic engagement about the refugee crisis with others. The results suggest that the use of episodic frames in the construction of refugee news articles may engage audiences more in the issue, however, alone are not enough to affect behavioral outcomes such as discussion. Further research should investigate the implications of framing choices made in the presentation of news stories about important issues such as mass human migrations. Keywords: framing, news, refugee, diaspora

Knowledge Versus Understanding: What Drives Moral Progress?

AbstractMoral progress is often modeled as an increase in moral knowledge and understanding, with achievements in moral reasoning seen as key drivers of progressive moral change. Contemporary discussion recognizes two (rival) accounts: knowledge-based and understanding-based theories of moral progress, with the latter recently contended as superior (Severini 2021). In this article, we challenge the alleged superiority of understanding-based accounts by conducting a comparative analysis of the theoretical advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. We assess them based on their potential to meet the following criteria: (i) moral progress must be possible despite evolutionary and epistemic constraints on moral reasoning; (ii) it should be epistemically achievable to ordinary moral agents; and (iii) it should be explainable via doxastic change. Our analysis suggests that both accounts are roughly equally plausible, but knowledge-based accounts are slightly less demanding and more effective at explaining doxastic change. Therefore, contrary to the prevailing view, we find knowledge-based accounts of moral progress more promising.

Is moral understanding a kind of moral vision?

AbstractUnderstanding is often descibed as a kind of “seeing”, and that would make moral understanding a kidn of moral vision. Recently the idea of moral perception has been explored. I suggest that the identification of moral understanding with moral perception is promising, as it seems to give a good account of what is distinctively valuable about moral understanding. But in the end it faces a difficult dilemma. I draw some conclusions about what is distinctive about moral understanding and the role that moral vision might play.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Media Sosial Instagram Terhadap Pemahaman Akhlak pada Mahasiswa PAI Angkatan 2021 di Universitas Ibn Khaldun Bogor

Understanding morals is one of the important components that students must have in an effort to deepen their knowledge and values ​​of Islamic teachings as the basis of a Muslim's knowledge. There are two factors that can influence each individual's understanding of morals, namely internal factors and external factors. Internal factors come from within students such as thought patterns, attitudes and self-motivation. Meanwhile, external factors include family, school, social environment and social media. Support for achieving understanding of student morals through the social media Instagram can be obtained if students have the ability to act and behave critically, carefully, wisely, think objectively and appreciate the diversity of Islamic information obtained. This research aims to find out whether there is an influence of the use of Instagram media on students' understanding of Islam at Ibn Khaldun University, Bogor. The research method used is a quantitative method. The data collection techniques used were questionnaires and documentation. The analysis technique used by researchers is an inferential statistical analysis technique with an analysis stage in the form of an analysis prerequisite test stage consisting of a normality test and linearity test, hypothesis testing consisting of a simple linear regression analysis test and a t test with the help of the SPSS version 27 application. Results from Research shows that there is an influence of the use of social media on the understanding of morals of PAI students class of 2021 at Ibn Khaldun University, Bogor. The magnitude of the influence that social media has on Islamic understanding shows a figure of 17.9%. Social media has an influence in shaping students' understanding and behavior regarding morals. Students who have good personalities and are not easily influenced by anything can determine their understanding of the information received via Instagram social media.

Karihwaientáhkwen: Conceptualizing Morality in Indigenous Consciousness

Many public institutions, including universities and colleges, have committed to Indigenous engagement – the institutional effort to engage with experiences, histories, and perspectives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in meaningful ways. In many areas of institutional endeavour, these commitments have frequently included a focus upon spiritual orientations of Indigenous peoples as a central aspect of their knowledge and worldviews. In this study, we sought to acquire knowledge on moral understandings that were resident in the consciousness of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers situated at universities across Canada. Findings revealed that personal and communal experiences informed a developed sense of responsibility that may be situated in the unique manifestations of their respective knowledge systems, heritages, and consciousnesses. Although non-Indigenous orientations such as those of Christianity informed the narratives of some, a prevailing sense of traditional identity emerged from participants.

Pendidikan Karakter dan Kedalaman Moral Perspektif Lichona dan Kohlberg

This study aims to delve into the depth of moral concepts from the perspectives of Lichona and Kohlberg and their application in character education. Through a literature review and comparative analysis, this research compares and explores the moral theories developed by Lichona and Kohlberg, particularly in the context of character development and moral education in schools. Using a qualitative approach, the study identifies the key principles of both theories and considers how these principles can be integrated into effective character education curricula and practices. The findings indicate that, despite some differences in their theoretical aspects, both thinkers contribute significantly to the understanding and teaching of morality in education. The study suggests that a combined approach, drawing on the strengths of both theories, can provide a richer and more comprehensive framework fo rcharacter educationin schools.

Right, Wrong, Logic and Mentality

This paper explores the nuanced relationship between right, wrong, logic, and mentality in ethical decision-making. It argues that ethical judgments are deeply subjective and context-dependent, influenced by individual and collective experiences, cultures, and cognitive frameworks. The paper introduces the metaphor of mentality as the fabric of the mind and logic as Lego pieces, illustrating how cognitive flexibility and logical structure interact to shape our moral understanding. While advocating for a fluid and adaptable approach to morality, the paper asserts the absoluteness of wrongs when actions cause significant harm. The "Twelve Gates of Wrong" framework is proposed to systematically evaluate ethical decisions, emphasizing harm avoidance. This model integrates traditional ethical theoriesvirtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialismwhile addressing the complexities of modern moral dilemmas. By balancing cognitive flexibility with logical integrity, the paper offers a comprehensive roadmap for ethical reflection and decision-making, urging a principled and empathetic approach to minimize harm and foster societal well-being.

In defense of an ordinary life Kantian view on the scope of moral requirement

This paper examines Kant's line of argumentation for the establishment of the highest principles of morality against the background of ethical naturalism. The primary problem of moral philosophy is to understand in what sense we speak of the concept of ‘morality’. Whereas the ordinary understanding of morality is that it comes from nature, Kant argues that morality comes from reason, or that it is a rational norm. Having established the highest principles and norms of morality, Kantian moral philosophy then proceeds to argue that these highest principles and norms are binding on our reality as human beings. This argument is systematically necessary for Kantian moralists. Norms are norms in the sense that they are binding in practice, and therefore the highest moral norms have to be binding in the sense that they are most necessarily binding on practical action, otherwise this would be contrary to the meaning of the highest norms themselves.

Critical dialogue method of ethics consultation: making clinical ethics facilitation visible and accessible

In clinical ethics consultations, clinical ethicists bring moral reasoning to bear on concrete and complex clinical ethical problems by undertaking ethical deliberation in collaboration with others. The reasoning process involves...

REINTERPRETASI HADIS TENTANG AKHLAK DALAM KITAB SUNAN TIRMIDZI NO. INDEKS 2003

This research aims to reinterpret the hadith about morals contained in the hadith narrated by Sunan Tirmidzi. Hadith is the main source of teachings in Islam which provides guidance on good behavior and correct morals. However, understanding and interpretation of hadith are often influenced by different social, cultural and historical contexts. In this research, an in-depth analysis was carried out of the hadiths contained in Sunan Tirmidzi which relate to morals. The approach used is literature review and qualitative analysis methods to understand the original meaning of the hadith and analyze its historical context. Apart from that, comparisons are also made with related hadiths from other sources to obtain a comprehensive understanding. So that it contributes to updating the understanding of morals in Islam by taking into account the context of the times and the increasingly complex demands of society. From the results of the analysis obtained through sanad and matan criticism, the status of the hadith narrated by Sunan Tirmidzi no. The 2003 index studied was Hasan Li Dhatihi. Therefore, it can be concluded that the hadith narrated by al-Tirmidzi index number 2003 which explains morals has the status of maqbul/acceptable and can be used as evidence in everyday life.

‘This is not a forum for reducing poverty’: the moral economy of the voluntary carbon market

ABSTRACT Carbon offsetting is premised on the ability to commensurate carbon, so that emissions and reductions across different contexts can be made equivalent and therefore interchangeable. The voluntary carbon market has been promoted as being able to reduce emissions and achieve co-benefits. Through interviews with 35 market participants, I map out different moral understandings that market participants have about offsetting and its goals. While all actors agree that proving real emissions reductions is essential, they differ in terms of the importance of co-benefits to the market. These different conceptions of climate responsibility and the tensions between them are considered in the context of the need to make offsets and emissions commensurable.

Disney characters as moral role models: a discourse analysis of Coco and Encanto

Popular culture characters and narratives can influence people’s understanding of moral actions, and thus guide their behaviors accordingly. Films have proven to be strong anchors in people’s understanding of morality. We examine the perception of resilience as a moral characteristic in examining not just how people become resilient (thereby focusing on impact and action) but also to study “resilience” as a discourse and discussion in society as a moral message. We argue that popular culture narratives, particularly Disney films, help reinforce moral meanings of resilience. By conducting a discourse analysis of two films-Encanto and Coco and particularly focusing on resilience, we aim to contribute to a deepened understanding of Disney’s role in producing morality through diverse narratives and characters who serve as role models.

Moral understanding: From virtue to knowledge

Moral understanding: From virtue to knowledge

THE INFLUENCE OF THE VIDEO CRITIC METHOD ON THE UNDERSTANDING OF MORALS OF CLASS IX STUDENTS OF MTS AL-ITTIHADIYAH PANGKALAN MANSYUR

This research aims to determine the effect of the video criticism method on understanding morals in class IX MTs students. The type of research carried out was quantitative with an experimental method using a One Group Pretest and Post Test Design research design. The population in this study were all IX students of MTs Al Ittihadiyah Pangkalan Mansyur, with a sample selected using the Non Probability Sampling technique, namely class IX Ali, totaling 29 people. The data collection techniques used were pretest and posttest. The results of research using the IBM SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solution) v.25 data processing program show that the average (mean) post test score was 76.38, while the average (mean) pretest score was 44.14. With the highest pretest score of 55 and post test of 90, the difference in score obtained is 35 (90-55). This shows that the video criticism method is able to improve students' moral understanding very well. Based on the mean difference test with Paired Sample T-test analysis on IBM SPSS Statistics v.25, the sign value (2-tailed) = 0.00 was obtained which was compared with the calculated result of sign a = 0.05 with a confidence level of 95%. From the results of these calculations, the sign is 0.00 ≤ 0.05, which means that H_0 is rejected or H_1 is accepted. Thus, the average student post test score is higher than the average student pretest score.