Personal Theory Of Human Nature And Keys To Ethical Developm

Personal Theory Of Human Nature And Keys To Ethical Development Assi

Write a two (2) page reflective paper (double spaced) in which you discuss your personal theory of human nature and how the six components of ethical development outlined by Johnson (2016) relate to your beliefs. Include examples and ideas from your own life experiences, applying course readings. Address how these beliefs influence your personal decision-making. The six components of ethical development are:

  • Realistic Self-Appraisal
  • Discovering Vocation
  • Identifying Personal Values
  • Developing Character
  • Creating a Moral Identity
  • Drawing Upon Spiritual Resources

Consider questions such as:

  • What motivates my ethical decisions?
  • What do I think about the ethical decision-making motives of others?
  • Are people basically good or bad?
  • What might human behavior be like if there were no rules? How would decisions be made?

Follow APA 6 formatting guidelines for your paper.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of one's personal theory of human nature and its relationship to ethical development is integral to understanding how individuals navigate moral decisions and behave within society. My personal view of human nature is rooted in a balance between inherent goodness and the capacity for both moral and immoral actions, acknowledging that environmental influences and personal choices significantly shape behavior. This perspective aligns with Johnson's (2016) six components of ethical development, which serve as a useful framework to analyze and reflect upon personal growth and decision-making processes.

Regarding the motivation behind my ethical decisions, I believe they stem from a combination of internal values and external influences. For instance, my commitment to honesty is rooted in early experiences where integrity was consistently reinforced by family and mentors. These experiences catalyzed my realization that ethical conduct fosters trust and respect in relationships. Thus, my motivation is driven by a desire to cultivate authentic connections and maintain personal integrity, echoing Johnson’s emphasis on self-awareness and moral identity.

In contemplating human nature, I lean towards the belief that people possess an innate capacity for both good and bad actions, influenced greatly by their environment and circumstances. This nuanced view suggests that individuals are not inherently fixed in moral categories but are capable of growth or regression depending on their development. For example, I have observed individuals in challenging environments who, despite adverse influences, choose paths of kindness and service, reinforcing my belief in human potential for goodness under supportive conditions. Conversely, negative experiences can sometimes lead to selfish or harmful behaviors, highlighting the importance of nurturing moral development.

If there were no rules governing behavior, I speculate that human actions would be driven primarily by internal moral compass, social instincts, and survival needs. Without formal rules, decisions might become more context-dependent and possibly more unpredictable. Historically, societies have relied on unwritten norms and shared values to regulate conduct, but the absence of explicit rules could lead to a more chaotic social order. In such scenarios, personal virtues like empathy and fairness would be critical in guiding decisions, aligning with Johnson’s components of identifying personal values and developing character.

Applying Johnson’s (2016) component of discovering vocation, I recognize that understanding one’s purpose in life anchors ethical behavior and promotes a sense of fulfillment. For example, my vocational calling to serve others has strengthened my commitment to ethical standards, especially in professional settings. Identifying personal values such as compassion and honesty guides my actions, reinforcing that ethical development is ongoing and deeply personal. Furthermore, I acknowledge that drawing upon spiritual resources, such as faith or philosophical beliefs, provides strength and resilience when faced with moral dilemmas, shaping my moral identity.

In practical terms, these components influence my everyday decisions. Whether deciding how to handle conflicts at work or choosing how to support friends in need, I consistently reflect on my values and moral principles. This reflective process helps me align my actions with my authentic self, fostering consistency and integrity in my behavior. Moreover, my beliefs about human nature and ethical motives affect how I interpret others’ actions—assuming that most individuals act based on their circumstances and internal moral frameworks—thus promoting empathy and patience.

In conclusion, my personal theory of human nature encompasses a belief in human potential for goodness tempered by the influence of environment and choice. Guided by Johnson's six components of ethical development, I strive to cultivate self-awareness, purpose, and moral strength, which influence my daily decision-making. Recognizing that ethical behavior is a continuous journey, I aim to nurture qualities that foster trust, respect, and integrity in all facets of my life. This personal framework not only guides my actions but also encourages ongoing growth and moral reflection, essential for ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.

References

  • Johnson, C. E. (2016). Organizational ethics: A practical approach (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
  • Biesta, G. (2010). Good education in an age of measurement: Ethics, politics, democracy. Routledge.
  • Kohlberg, L. (1984). Essays on moral development: Vol. I. The philosophy of moral development. Harper & Row.
  • Rest, J. R. (1986). Moral development: Advances in research and theory. Praeger Publishers.
  • Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Harvard University Press.
  • Narvaez, D. (2008). Integrative ethical education: From theory to practice. Journal of Moral Education, 37(3), 319–346.
  • Singer, P. (2011). Practical ethics. Cambridge University Press.
  • Tomasello, M. (2016). A Natural History of Human Morality. Harvard University Press.
  • Zagzebski, L. (1996). Virtues of the Mind: An Inquiry into Moral Happiness and the Face of Moral Faith. Cambridge University Press.
  • Kolberg, L. (1965). Developmental observations concerning justice: Autonomous morality and moral relativism. In T. Lickona (Ed.), Moral development and behaviour: Theory, research, and applications (pp. 93–120). Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.

Related Assignments