Rediscovering a Path Rediscovering a Path to Human to Human

Development Development

Individual Moral DevelopmentIndividual Moral Development

ByBy

Allen CarnAllen Carn

Intent:Intent:

► A foundational single session class that promotes A foundational single session class that promotes continuing education and a general code of conduct continuing education and a general code of conduct similar to the ethic of reciprocity that compliments similar to the ethic of reciprocity that compliments concepts that most universities try to promote in concepts that most universities try to promote in their orientation classestheir orientation classes

► Information and discussion themes noted in the Information and discussion themes noted in the bullet points for each of the topics are to inform as bullet points for each of the topics are to inform as well as elicit discussion of a personal nature.well as elicit discussion of a personal nature. As bullet points become available for viewing, an As bullet points become available for viewing, an

explanation will be offered that is supported by research.explanation will be offered that is supported by research. Discussion will be highly encourage, the sharing of Discussion will be highly encourage, the sharing of

individual moral norms reinforces the primary objective of individual moral norms reinforces the primary objective of encouraging human development.encouraging human development.

Objectives:Objectives:

► A successful human development process: A successful human development process: provides the most development potential for a provides the most development potential for a

majority of individuals in a society.majority of individuals in a society.

► Repeatability: Repeatability: the capacity to start or reinvigorate a dying the capacity to start or reinvigorate a dying

human development systemhuman development system

► Positive Social Change:Positive Social Change: exists at the mutual benefit of other individualsexists at the mutual benefit of other individuals

► Sustainability: Sustainability: can a human development system survive can a human development system survive

multiple generations?multiple generations?

Theory: Theory: ► A majority of modern human development was A majority of modern human development was

predicated on individuals having enough freedom to predicated on individuals having enough freedom to develop in a manner that was personally desirable and develop in a manner that was personally desirable and advantageous (Friedman, 2002). As the individual advantageous (Friedman, 2002). As the individual developed, they were faced with various known and developed, they were faced with various known and unknown societal ethical dilemmas that shaped their unknown societal ethical dilemmas that shaped their lives (Kohlberg, 1981).lives (Kohlberg, 1981).

► As noted by Kohlberg (1981), the individual moral As noted by Kohlberg (1981), the individual moral development process created the internal compass that development process created the internal compass that individuals used throughout their life.individuals used throughout their life.

► The path to rediscover human development via the The path to rediscover human development via the individual morality did not provide an answer to all the individual morality did not provide an answer to all the dilemmas; however, it did provide knowledge that dilemmas; however, it did provide knowledge that helped the individual to spot potential ethical dilemmas helped the individual to spot potential ethical dilemmas that required the individual to maneuver in such a way that required the individual to maneuver in such a way as to avoid untenable situations (Maslow, 1971). as to avoid untenable situations (Maslow, 1971).

Problem:Problem:► Social moral decay has hindered the human Social moral decay has hindered the human

development process of individuals (Kohlberg, 1981). development process of individuals (Kohlberg, 1981). Two theoretical sources of decay were identified: Two theoretical sources of decay were identified: Capitalism and the excess it can create causes individuals Capitalism and the excess it can create causes individuals

to develop a disdain, if not contempt for organized religion to develop a disdain, if not contempt for organized religion which has provided the frame work of morality (Weber, which has provided the frame work of morality (Weber, 1958). 1958).

Marxism and central planning entities that profess ethical Marxism and central planning entities that profess ethical relativism have demonstrated an open hostility towards the relativism have demonstrated an open hostility towards the concept of morality since many acknowledge that the ends concept of morality since many acknowledge that the ends justify the means (Marx & Engels, 1959). justify the means (Marx & Engels, 1959).

► As a result, moral decay has been exacerbated and As a result, moral decay has been exacerbated and bureaucratic systems of hate have been created to bureaucratic systems of hate have been created to fill the void (King, 1986). fill the void (King, 1986).

► The two theoretical sources of decay have The two theoretical sources of decay have discouraged individuals from taking a human discouraged individuals from taking a human development path based on morality. development path based on morality.

Solution: Solution: ► This handout was arranged to provide the student with an This handout was arranged to provide the student with an

introductory overview of human development based on a concept introductory overview of human development based on a concept of individual morality that promoted mutual-cooperation and of individual morality that promoted mutual-cooperation and continual improvement. This development path rediscovered a continual improvement. This development path rediscovered a proven track record of success (Bradford & Winslow, 1966; proven track record of success (Bradford & Winslow, 1966; Freidman & Friedman, 1981; & King, 1986). Freidman & Friedman, 1981; & King, 1986).

► The primary sources used included:The primary sources used included: Kohlberg’s (1981) moral stages of development, Kohlberg’s (1981) moral stages of development, Maslow’s (1943) hierarchy of needs, and Maslow’s (1943) hierarchy of needs, and King’s (1988) belief in the three dimensions of a complete life. King’s (1988) belief in the three dimensions of a complete life.

► Modern theories used to augment the premise of this handout Modern theories used to augment the premise of this handout include:include: Weaver’s (2006) theory of virtue development in individuals, Weaver’s (2006) theory of virtue development in individuals, Taft and White’s (2007) take on ethics education and inductive Taft and White’s (2007) take on ethics education and inductive

reasoning,reasoning, Thoms’s (2008) supposition that ethical integrity was a necessary Thoms’s (2008) supposition that ethical integrity was a necessary

ingredient in human development. ingredient in human development. ► This development path begins with the social dilemma of moral This development path begins with the social dilemma of moral

decay and ends with the social responsibility of protecting decay and ends with the social responsibility of protecting freedom. freedom.

► The outline provides the answer to the first objectiveThe outline provides the answer to the first objective

Waypoints:Waypoints:

► The waypoints along the path to human The waypoints along the path to human development that fulfill the four objectives:development that fulfill the four objectives:

1.1. Seek to develop knowledge and skills sets that make it Seek to develop knowledge and skills sets that make it possible develop past the lower level needs.possible develop past the lower level needs.

2.2. Understand the need for self-reflection and individual Understand the need for self-reflection and individual responsibility.responsibility.

3.3. A framework for mutual understanding and cooperation. A framework for mutual understanding and cooperation. 4.4. Continual development by seeking virtue and Continual development by seeking virtue and

knowledge. knowledge. 5.5. Continual development while understanding why it is Continual development while understanding why it is

important to be involved in the community and the important to be involved in the community and the concept of interrelatedness.concept of interrelatedness.

6.6. Protecting political and economic freedom for future Protecting political and economic freedom for future generations so they may have the same opportunity.generations so they may have the same opportunity.

Order of CompletionOrder of Completion

►As Kohlberg (1981) noted in his As Kohlberg (1981) noted in his process of human development, some process of human development, some of his stages of development could of his stages of development could occur at the same time.occur at the same time.

►Since the first three waypoints focus Since the first three waypoints focus on the individual, they can occur on the individual, they can occur simultaneously. simultaneously.

First WaypointFirst Waypoint

►Seek to develop knowledge and skills Seek to develop knowledge and skills sets that make it possible to develop sets that make it possible to develop past the lower level needs efficiently. past the lower level needs efficiently. This is the selfish phase in human This is the selfish phase in human development and it encompasses all of development and it encompasses all of the most basic needs.the most basic needs.

Concepts Needed to Concepts Needed to Complete the First Waypoint Complete the First Waypoint

► The search for a calling – an individual should seek out The search for a calling – an individual should seek out what they excel at in order to attain a potentially what they excel at in order to attain a potentially successful life (Weber, 1958).successful life (Weber, 1958).

► Basic principles of finance are necessary in a society that Basic principles of finance are necessary in a society that promotes economic freedom (Weber, 1958; Friedman, promotes economic freedom (Weber, 1958; Friedman, 2002).2002).

► Knowledge – To be informed offsets the negative affects Knowledge – To be informed offsets the negative affects to human development caused by ignorance. Part of the to human development caused by ignorance. Part of the knowledge process includes working to get past this knowledge process includes working to get past this phase (Maslow, 1971; Weaver, 2006).phase (Maslow, 1971; Weaver, 2006).

► Self-love – If you cannot love yourself, then appreciating Self-love – If you cannot love yourself, then appreciating other people becomes difficult and impedes the other people becomes difficult and impedes the development process. Self-love is confidence and development process. Self-love is confidence and believing that you can overcome obstacles (King, 1988).believing that you can overcome obstacles (King, 1988).

► Begins the process to answer the objective of Begins the process to answer the objective of repeatability.repeatability.

Second WaypointSecond Waypoint

►Understand the need for self-reflection Understand the need for self-reflection and individual responsibility. Both and individual responsibility. Both provide the individual with a baseline provide the individual with a baseline and ongoing information that the and ongoing information that the individual can build upon and develop.individual can build upon and develop.

Concepts Needed to Concepts Needed to Complete the Second Complete the Second

Waypoint Waypoint ► Daily self-reflection - An individual should reflect upon their Daily self-reflection - An individual should reflect upon their

actions throughout the day in the context of how they would want actions throughout the day in the context of how they would want to be treated, they would find good deeds and some that have an to be treated, they would find good deeds and some that have an opportunity for improvement (Bradford & Winslow, 1966; Taft & opportunity for improvement (Bradford & Winslow, 1966; Taft & White, 2007).White, 2007).

► Patience & Forgiveness - Be understanding of those who offer Patience & Forgiveness - Be understanding of those who offer transgression, there will be a time when you will hope that the transgression, there will be a time when you will hope that the favor is returned (Bradford & Winslow, 1966; King, 1986).favor is returned (Bradford & Winslow, 1966; King, 1986).

► Avoid a Life style of Dependency - be wary of unearned resources Avoid a Life style of Dependency - be wary of unearned resources for they come at the personal price of freedom and self-reliance for they come at the personal price of freedom and self-reliance (Bradford & Winslow, 1966; King, 1986).(Bradford & Winslow, 1966; King, 1986).

► Avoid Apathy & Complacency - These were identifies as the deadly Avoid Apathy & Complacency - These were identifies as the deadly sins of human development (Bradford & Winslow, 1966).sins of human development (Bradford & Winslow, 1966).

► Root Cause Analysis - being able to identify the real drama helps Root Cause Analysis - being able to identify the real drama helps choose the correct course of action which allows the individual to choose the correct course of action which allows the individual to overcome obstacles and improve which in itself is liberating overcome obstacles and improve which in itself is liberating (Bradford & Winslow, 1966; King, 1986).(Bradford & Winslow, 1966; King, 1986).

► Provides another portion of the answer to the objective of Provides another portion of the answer to the objective of repeatability.repeatability.

Third WaypointThird Waypoint

►A framework for mutual understanding A framework for mutual understanding and cooperation. There are several and cooperation. There are several codes of conduct that provide an codes of conduct that provide an example for individual to develop example for individual to develop while not impeding or restricting the while not impeding or restricting the human development potential of human development potential of others.others.

Practice at least One of the Practice at least One of the Frameworks to Complete the Frameworks to Complete the

Third Waypoint Third Waypoint ► The Good Samaritan, Ethic of Reciprocity, & The Golden The Good Samaritan, Ethic of Reciprocity, & The Golden

Rule – treating others with the same integrity, dignity, Rule – treating others with the same integrity, dignity, and respect that you wished to be treated (King, 1998; and respect that you wished to be treated (King, 1998; Thoms, 2008). Thoms, 2008).

► Agape – Neighborly Love (King, 1998)Agape – Neighborly Love (King, 1998)► The Ten Commandments – looking past the The Ten Commandments – looking past the

commandments to understand their impact on human commandments to understand their impact on human development. (development. (Kenneally, 2009)Kenneally, 2009)

► The previous points international impact on human The previous points international impact on human development and a frame work for mutual understanding development and a frame work for mutual understanding (Kenneally, 2009; Weaver, 2006; Thoms, 2008)(Kenneally, 2009; Weaver, 2006; Thoms, 2008)

► Any of the code of conducts listed provides another Any of the code of conducts listed provides another portion of the answer to the objective of repeatabilityportion of the answer to the objective of repeatability

Fourth WaypointFourth Waypoint

►Seek virtue and continuing knowledge; Seek virtue and continuing knowledge; in doing so, the individual actively in doing so, the individual actively seeks understanding that includes seeks understanding that includes family and the community. The trait of family and the community. The trait of selfishness diminishes and selfishness diminishes and unselfishness increases.unselfishness increases.

Concepts Needed to Concepts Needed to Complete the Fourth Complete the Fourth

Waypoint Waypoint ► Know your moral identity that sets your moral frame Know your moral identity that sets your moral frame

in concrete terms (Kohlberg, 1981; Weaver, 2006).in concrete terms (Kohlberg, 1981; Weaver, 2006).► Accentuate the positives while eliminating Accentuate the positives while eliminating

weaknesses found in your moral identity (Weaver, weaknesses found in your moral identity (Weaver, 2006).2006).

► Enjoy life by living within your belief system (Thoms, Enjoy life by living within your belief system (Thoms, 2008; Weaver, 2006).2008; Weaver, 2006).

► Seek further knowledge that enhances your moral Seek further knowledge that enhances your moral identity and reduces ethical blind spots (Taft & White, identity and reduces ethical blind spots (Taft & White, 2007; Thoms, 2008).2007; Thoms, 2008).

► Be an example to others (Thoms, 2008; Weaver, Be an example to others (Thoms, 2008; Weaver, 2006).2006).

► Begins the process to answer to the objective of Begins the process to answer to the objective of positive social change.positive social change.

Fifth WaypointFifth Waypoint

►Continual development: Reality is Continual development: Reality is constantly changing, the undeniable constantly changing, the undeniable truth is that the individual is either truth is that the individual is either developing or regressing. This is why it developing or regressing. This is why it is important to be involved in the is important to be involved in the community and understand the community and understand the concept of interrelatedness. concept of interrelatedness.

► The concept of interrelatedness: Success may be an The concept of interrelatedness: Success may be an individual task, but success is a societal concept by individual task, but success is a societal concept by any measurable means which means it involves the any measurable means which means it involves the cooperation of other individuals (King, 1986).cooperation of other individuals (King, 1986).

► Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943).Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943).► Kohlberg’s Six Stages of Development (1981).Kohlberg’s Six Stages of Development (1981).► King’s Three Dimensions of a Complete Life: Length, King’s Three Dimensions of a Complete Life: Length,

Breadth, & Height (1988).Breadth, & Height (1988).► Defining Positive Social Change (Maslow, 1971; Defining Positive Social Change (Maslow, 1971;

Kohlberg, 1981)Kohlberg, 1981)► The higher stages of development provide the answer The higher stages of development provide the answer

to the objective of positive social changeto the objective of positive social change

Gain More Knowledge and Gain More Knowledge and Understanding to Complete Understanding to Complete

the Fifth Waypointthe Fifth Waypoint

Sixth WaypointSixth Waypoint►Protecting political and economic Protecting political and economic

freedom for future generations is freedom for future generations is necessary so they may have the same necessary so they may have the same opportunities. In addition, political and opportunities. In addition, political and economic freedom provides ample economic freedom provides ample opportunity which is the best opportunity which is the best environment for human development environment for human development because it provides the most efficient because it provides the most efficient system for individual to fulfill their lower system for individual to fulfill their lower level needs so they can move on in the level needs so they can move on in the development process.development process.

Attainment of the Sixth Attainment of the Sixth Waypoint is a Never-ending Waypoint is a Never-ending

Quest Quest ► The ability to personally change is dependent upon The ability to personally change is dependent upon

freedom (Friedman & Friedman, 1980; King, 1986).freedom (Friedman & Friedman, 1980; King, 1986).► The efficient attainment of lower level needs provides The efficient attainment of lower level needs provides

the best opportunity for human and societal the best opportunity for human and societal development (Maslow, 1971). development (Maslow, 1971).

► The need for strong education systems that The need for strong education systems that emphasize the historical lessons learned that provide emphasize the historical lessons learned that provide context in the protection of freedom (Friedman, 2002; context in the protection of freedom (Friedman, 2002; Taft & White, 2007; Thoms, 2008; Weaver, 2006). Taft & White, 2007; Thoms, 2008; Weaver, 2006).

► Social systems that have a central planning entity Social systems that have a central planning entity have an natural tendency to inhibit individual have an natural tendency to inhibit individual development (Friedman, 2002; Marx & Engels, 1959). development (Friedman, 2002; Marx & Engels, 1959).

► Protecting both types of freedom is a social individual Protecting both types of freedom is a social individual responsibility (Friedman, 2002).responsibility (Friedman, 2002).

► Provides the answer to the sustainability objective.Provides the answer to the sustainability objective.

Conclusion:Conclusion:► Human development as defined by Maslow Human development as defined by Maslow

(1943 & 1971) and Kohlberg (1981) was (1943 & 1971) and Kohlberg (1981) was dependent upon individual development. dependent upon individual development. Human and individual development was Human and individual development was dependent upon the individual having the dependent upon the individual having the freedom to make choices and to learn from freedom to make choices and to learn from those choices. Furthermore, the quest for those choices. Furthermore, the quest for knowledge and continual development allowed knowledge and continual development allowed the individual to avoid lessons learnt in a the individual to avoid lessons learnt in a negative manner. The individual development negative manner. The individual development path laid out included multiple theoretical paths path laid out included multiple theoretical paths that shared similarities and promoted positive that shared similarities and promoted positive social change. It has a historical track record of social change. It has a historical track record of proven human development success.proven human development success.

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