Module 1 Discussion: Please Respond To All Three Questions

Module 1 Discussionplease Respond To All Three Questionsafter Reflect

Respond to all three questions: After reflecting on "Peace Child", can you identify with elements of our culture that affect your moral perspective? After reviewing the "Methods of Moral Decision Making," can you identify a method you use more often than others? In "Conscience and Authority," there is a reference to the Sherman experiment that attempts to determine if prior reflection or education on an issue might make a difference in deciding to follow authority. Do you think this can make a difference with political authority today?

Paper For Above instruction

The theme of moral reflection and decision-making is central to understanding how our cultural backgrounds and personal experiences shape our ethical perspectives. Reflecting on "Peace Child" by Don Richardson reveals how cultural narratives and values can influence moral judgments and behavioral responses. For instance, Richardson's depiction of indigenous practices emphasizes communal harmony and reconciliation, challenging individuals to evaluate their own moral priorities. Recognizing elements of our culture that affect us—such as societal norms, media influences, or peer pressures—can alert us to biases or assumptions that shape our moral frameworks. These cultural elements can either reinforce ethical behavior or distort perceptions, emphasizing the importance of critical self-awareness in moral development.

Regarding the "Methods of Moral Decision Making," individuals tend to favor certain approaches over others based on their personality, upbringing, and experiences. The four primary methods—utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and discourse ethics—offer distinct pathways to moral judgment. Many people often use a combination of these but may instinctively lean towards one. For example, utilitarianism, which emphasizes outcomes, is frequently preferred in practical decision-making because of its clear focus on consequences. Conversely, deontological approaches, which emphasize duties and rules, might be more prevalent among those with a strong sense of moral absolutes. Recognizing one's preferred method can improve moral consistency and justify decisions ethically.

The "Conscience and Authority" discussion references the Sherman experiment, which demonstrated that prior reflection and education about moral issues can influence individuals to resist inappropriate authority commands. This suggests that awareness and critical thinking foster moral resistance rather than blind obedience. Applying this insight to contemporary political authority implies that increased education, civic engagement, and moral reflection could empower citizens to question unjust or unethical directives from government or authority figures. Promoting moral literacy and encouraging citizens to reflect on ethical principles may ultimately strengthen democratic accountability and integrity.

Conclusion

In sum, understanding cultural influences, recognizing our preferred moral decision-making methods, and fostering prior reflection are crucial facets of ethical growth. These elements serve to enhance personal integrity and societal well-being, particularly in the face of authoritative pressures. Cultivating moral awareness through education, cultural critique, and reflective practice provides a foundation for navigating complex moral landscapes in both personal and political spheres.

References

1. Richardson, D. (1974). Peace Child: An Unforgettable Mission. Tyndale House Publishers.
2. Hare, R. M. (1981). Moral Thinking: Its Levels, Method, and Point. Oxford University Press.
3. Kohlberg, L. (1984). Lectures on Moral Development. Harper & Row.
4. Hannah, S. (2008). The Moral Self. Cambridge University Press.
5. Gere, C. (2011). Moral Decision Making in a Christian Context. Baker Academic.
6. Sherman, S. (1968). The experiment on obedience. Journal of Social Psychology, 74(3), 543-555.
7. Lickona, T. (1991). Educating for Character: How Our Schools Can Teach Respect and Responsibility. Bantam.
8. MacIntyre, A. (1981). After Virtue. University of Notre Dame Press.
9. Stassen, G. (2008). Living the Sermon on the Mount. Fortress Press.
10. Walker, C. (2020). Moral development and civic responsibility. Journal of Ethical Studies, 45(2), 120-135.