CHAPTER 1: ROLE OF FAMILY, SOCIETY Flashcards
What is the origin of the word “ethics”?
The word “ethics” comes from the Greek word “ethos,” which means “character.”
What is the key difference between values and ethics?
Values are the underlying principles and beliefs, while ethics are the system of moral rules that guide behavior based on those values.
How do values help us understand the world around us?
Values help us understand ourselves, the people around us, our culture, and the society we live in by providing a framework for interpreting experiences and making choices.
How are values different from ethics?
Values are personal and internal, guiding our individual judgments and priorities. Ethics are often external and codified, representing shared expectations and rules within a group or society.
What does it mean to behave ethically?
Behaving ethically means aligning your actions with the accepted moral principles and standards of your society or group.
How are values and ethics connected to good and bad actions?
Actions considered highly valuable can be seen as ethically “good,” while actions of low value may be viewed as ethically “bad.” However, it’s important to note that ethical judgments can be complex and nuanced, considering context and intention alongside the inherent value of the action.
What is Desmond Tutu’s quote about family and its role in shaping values?
Desmond Tutu said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” This quote highlights the significant influence family can have on our values and ethical development.
When does the process of acquiring values begin?
The process of acquiring values begins at birth.
What influences the development of values throughout life?
Values develop through life experiences and are shaped by intellect, will, emotions, and spiritual needs.
What are the 7 criteria of a chosen value?
Freely chosen: not forced or pressured.
Chosen from alternatives: compared and weighed against other options.
Chosen after considering consequences: aware of potential outcomes.
Performed: put into action consistently.
Pattern of life: becomes a habitual tendency.
Cherished: deemed important and desirable.
Publicly affirmed: openly expressed and valued in social interactions.
What is the difference between value acquisition and value inculcation?
Value acquisition is the initial process of gaining and understanding values throughout life experiences. Value inculcation is the deeper integration of these values into your inner core, forming lasting patterns and beliefs.
How does value inculcation happen?
Value inculcation is an unconscious process that happens gradually through observation, imitation, and internalization of experiences and interactions within family, society, and educational institutions.
Explain the connection between the 7 criteria and value inculcation.
The 7 criteria represent steps that contribute to internalizing values and making them ingrained in your behavior and identity. Freely choosing and actively practicing values lead to deeper commitment, cherishing, and public affirmation, solidifying them as core beliefs.
What is Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development?
Kohlberg proposed that individuals progress through six distinct stages of moral reasoning as they grow from infancy to adulthood. These stages represent increasing complexity in understanding right and wrong.
Image: A staircase with six levels, labeled with the six stages of moral reasoning.
What are the three broad categories of moral reasoning in Kohlberg’s theory?
The three levels are:
Pre-conventional: Moral judgments are based on external rewards and punishments.
Conventional: Moral judgments are based on social expectations and rules.
Post-conventional: Moral judgments are based on universal ethical principles and individual conscience.
Image: A diagram showing the three levels of moral reasoning, with each level containing two sub-stages.
What are the six stages of moral reasoning in Kohlberg’s theory?
The six stages are:
Pre-conventional:
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation - Moral judgments are based on avoiding punishment and receiving rewards.
Stage 2: Self-Interest Orientation - Moral judgments are based on what benefits oneself or satisfies personal needs.
Conventional:
Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl Orientation - Moral judgments are based on gaining approval and avoiding disapproval from others.
Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation - Moral judgments are based on upholding social rules and maintaining order.
Post-conventional:
Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation - Moral judgments are based on respecting individual rights and upholding principles of fairness and equality.
Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation - Moral judgments are based on universal ethical principles that transcend specific laws and social norms.
Image: A table listing the six stages of moral reasoning, with a brief description of each stage.
Do people necessarily progress through all six stages of moral reasoning?
While Kohlberg believed that individuals move through the stages in a fixed order, not everyone reaches the highest stages. Some factors, such as cultural background and life experiences, can influence the level of moral development achieved.
How is Kohlberg’s theory relevant to understanding value inculcation?
Answer: Kohlberg’s stages offer a framework for understanding how individuals develop their moral compass and internalize values. By understanding the different stages, educators and parents can create environments that promote moral development and encourage the adoption of positive values.
Image: A group of children engaging in activities that promote different aspects of moral development, such as cooperation, empathy, and critical thinking.
Pre-conventional Level (Childhood): At this stage, what determines right and wrong for children? (Hint: Think rewards and punishments.)
Children mainly judge actions based on avoiding punishment and receiving rewards. They also focus on what directly benefits them, seeing such actions as “good.” This level is characterized by relying on external figures for moral authority.
Conventional Level (Adolescence and Adulthood): How do social rules and expectations influence moral judgments at this stage?
Individuals rely on social rules, expectations, and maintaining social order to guide their moral judgments. They value a social system that emphasizes fulfilling responsibilities and relationships. This level sees internalizing society’s expectations and conforming to them as key.
Post-conventional Level (Mature Adulthood): What are the driving forces behind right and wrong at this highest stage?
Universal ethical principles that transcend specific rules and norms shape moral reasoning at this level. Choosing the response most aligned with these principles determines what’s considered morally acceptable. This level is characterized by basing moral judgments on abstract principles and individual conscience.
Beyond the Stages: Does everyone necessarily reach the post-conventional level? Why or why not?
Individuals may not all reach the highest stage due to factors like their cultural background and life experiences. Understanding these stages can help educators and parents create environments that promote moral development and encourage the adoption of positive values.
A desperate choice: Heinz’s Dilemma:
Imagine Heinz, whose wife is dying, needs a life-saving drug priced exorbitantly by a greedy seller. Should he:
Obey the law and respect legal boundaries, letting his wife die? (Stage 1 - Pre-conventional)
Steal the drug and accept legal consequences to save his wife? (Stage 2 - Conventional)
Steal the drug, defying punishment, for moral justice above rigid laws? (Stage 3 - Post-conventional)
Unpacking moral reasoning through Heinz’s eyes:
What aspects of each response reflect the underlying principles of each stage in Kohlberg’s theory?
Stage 1 (Pre-conventional): Focuses on avoiding punishment and personal benefit, like not stealing to avoid jail.
Stage 2 (Conventional): Emphasizes upholding social rules and accepting punishment for breaking them, even for a good cause.
Stage 3 (Post-conventional): Prioritizes universal ethical principles and moral justice, potentially justifying stealing over rigid laws.
Beyond Heinz: Applying the framework to real-world dilemmas:
Think of a situation where legal regulations clash with ethical considerations. How could Kohlberg’s stages help analyze such conflicts?
By understanding the different stages, you can:
Identify the type of reasoning used in various arguments.
Recognize the tension between legal obligations and moral principles.
Consider diverse perspectives and ethical implications in complex situations.
The journey of moral development: Reaching the highest stage?
Does everyone ultimately progress to the post-conventional stage?
Factors like cultural background, access to education, and life experiences can influence the level of moral development achievable. Some may not reach Stage 3 due to these societal influences.
Who said, “There is no such thing as self-made man. We are made up of thousands of others” and what’s the key message?
George Mathew Adams said it. The message is that we are shaped by countless interactions and relationships with others, not just individual efforts.
Family and Social Obligations: Building on Trust and Respect
What’s the foundation of strong family and social bonds?
Trust and respect are crucial. Trusting someone to act reliably and having positive regard for them fosters strong connections.
Erik Erikson:
What’s the importance of basic trust development in the first two years of life, according to Erik Erikson?
This early stage in development sets the foundation for trusting others and forming healthy relationships throughout life.
Codes of Conduct:
How do formal ethical codes in companies and professions guide behavior?
These broad statements outline responsible actions towards employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. They emphasize ethical principles and expected standards.
Disciplinary Codes and Professional Responsibility:
Why are disciplinary codes important for professions?
They define expected behavior, ensure that practitioners meet ethical standards, and hold them accountable through disciplinary actions if they violate the code.
Citizen’s Charters:
What is the purpose of citizen’s charters?
These are commitments by organizations and governments to empower citizens and ensure quality public services. Examples include compensation for service delays.
Emotional Intelligence:
How does emotional intelligence contribute to successful social interactions?
Understanding your own and others’ emotions allows you to react and respond empathetically, improving communication and collaboration.
Kim Kardashian’s Wisdom: Family’s Crucial Role in Value Formation
What responsibility does Kim Kardashian emphasize the family has towards children?
According to Kardashian, families hold the responsibility of instilling proper values in children from a young age, shaping their moral compass for life.
Leading by Example: Parents as Powerful Role Models
How can parents effectively guide their children’s values through their own actions?
Parents serve as powerful role models for their children. By demonstrating honesty, avoiding conflict in front of them, and maintaining proper conduct, they set a positive example for their children to emulate.
The Power of Appreciation: Building Positive Self-Image and Motivation
Why is praising children for their good deeds a crucial tool in value formation?
Appreciation fosters a positive self-image in children. Recognizing their good actions motivates them to continue making positive choices and maintain good behavior. Neglecting appreciation can demotivate them and potentially lead them astray.
Thomas Edison’s Story: A Mother’s Impact on Value Shaping
What lessons can we draw from Thomas Edison’s experience regarding family influence on values?
Edison’s mother’s initial belief in his potential and later support despite facing societal negativity highlight the significant impact families can have on shaping a child’s values and confidence.
