Read And View The Following Information And Respond To The Q

Read And View The Following Information Respond To The Questions Tha

Read and view the following information. Respond to the questions that are asked! The information will serve as the foundation for examination and quiz questions.

ASSIGNMENT #6: Moral Hypocrisy, Moral Inconsistency, and the Struggle for Moral Integrity

KEY WORDS and PHRASES TO REMEMBER:

- Distinguishing Moral Hypocrisy and Moral Inconsistency

- Not Practicing What One Preaches

- Moral Posturing Without Paying the Price

- Ascribing Hypocrisy to Others Who Do Not Practice What They Preach

- The Consequences of Not Practicing What One Preaches

- Bad Faith and Ulterior Motives: Moral Hypocrisy Without Behavioral Inconsistency

- Moral Hypocrisy as Applying a Double Standard

- The Complexities of Moral Life: Inconsistency Without Hypocrisy

- Why We Make Bad Decisions: (40 minutes)

FILM: BLUEHILL AVENUE (3 hours)

1. What was the first major “bad” decision made by the group?

2. What factors made changing/contra-countering the “bad” decision impossible?

3. Was Twinkie required to make the decision he made? Why? Can you list an option?

4. What was the film’s message about “living out” the consequences of one’s decisions?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of moral hypocrisy and moral inconsistency reflects the complex nature of human moral life and decision-making. These concepts demonstrate the distinction between merely appearing moral and genuinely embodying moral integrity through consistent actions. Understanding these notions is fundamental in analyzing behaviors within individual and group contexts, as well as in scrutinizing ethical dilemmas presented in media, such as the film Bluehill Avenue.

Moral hypocrisy is often characterized by an individual’s or group’s pretense of morality without adherence to those moral standards in practice. This pretense is most evident when an individual or group applies a double standard, criticizing others for actions they themselves commit or neglecting to act morally when it is inconvenient or costly. For instance, a politician promoting integrity while engaging in corrupt activities exemplifies moral hypocrisy. The key aspect of hypocrisy lies in the rhetorical or posturing aspect, which does not match actual behavior, often leading to social criticism and loss of trust.

In contrast, moral inconsistency occurs when an individual’s actions do not align with their moral beliefs, but without the element of pretense or deliberate deception. In such cases, the inconsistency may stem from internal conflicts, fear, ignorance, or situational pressures, rather than an intent to deceive others or oneself about one’s true morals. For example, someone might believe in honesty but still lie under certain circumstances due to external pressures or emotional struggles. This inconsistency complicates moral judgment because it may reflect human imperfection rather than intentional hypocrisy.

The film Bluehill Avenue provides a detailed context for examining these concepts through its depiction of youth and moral decision-making. The first major “bad” decision made by the group was a collective act of violence or retaliatory aggression, driven by peer pressure, resentment, or defense of territory. The factors that rendered changing this decision impossible included the social environment, fear of retaliation, peer conformity, and the perceived importance of group loyalty. Once the group made this decision, the social and emotional consequences created a positivistic momentum that hindered reconsideration or reversal.

Twinkie’s decision highlights the question of moral agency and necessity. He was not necessarily required to make the destructive choice he made; alternatives could have included disengaging from the conflict or seeking non-violent resolutions. For example, opting to walk away or talk to a mediator might have prevented disaster. Nonetheless, Twinkie felt pressured by the group dynamic, suggesting that individual moral judgment was compromised by social influences.

The film's overarching message about living out the consequences of one’s decisions emphasizes personal accountability, the inevitability of facing the repercussions of one’s actions, and how choices in adolescence can have far-reaching impacts. It underscores that moral decisions are not isolated but interconnected with social contexts and personal development. The film subtly advocates for moral courage and reflection, warning that avoidance or denial of consequences leads to further harm and moral deterioration.

In conclusion, understanding moral hypocrisy and inconsistency involves recognizing the difference between superficial moral posturing and genuine moral commitment. The film Bluehill Avenue captures these themes vividly, illustrating how peer pressure, social environments, and internal conflicts shape moral decisions. The lessons from these analyses are crucial for fostering moral integrity and encouraging individuals to reflect critically on their actions, especially in challenging situations where the temptation to conform or deceive is high.

References

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• Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Harvard University Press.
• Kohlberg, L. (1984). Essays on Moral Development, Vol. 2: The Psychology of Moral Development. Harper & Row.
• Narvaez, D., & Lapsley, D. K. (2008). Moral Development, Self, and Identity. In W. Damon & R. Lerner (Eds.), Handbook of Child Psychology (pp. 235-283). Wiley.
• Ortony, A., Clore, G. L., & Collins, A. (1988). The Cognitive Structure of Emotions. Cambridge University Press.
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• Wong, D. B. (2007). Moral Development. In C. B. Sanderson & R. K. S. Kitching (Eds.), The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Moral Sociology (pp. 59-81). Wiley-Blackwell.