Discussion 10: Morality In Chapter 14 of your textbook, you read about the work of Purtilo and Doherty (2011), who divide morality into three categories: personal, social, and group. Review this section of the chapter, then respond to the following questions: Your response should be 8 – 10 sentences in length and include an APA-style references list. Respond to at least two other students in 4 – 6 sentences, referring to the textbook or other course material in your responses.
Morality is a complex and multifaceted concept that plays a crucial role in our lives. In Chapter 14 of the textbook, Purtilo and Doherty (2011) propose a framework for understanding morality by dividing it into three categories: personal, social, and group.
Personal morality refers to an individual’s own moral beliefs and values. It involves making decisions based on one’s own sense of right and wrong, and considering the consequences of one’s actions on oneself and others. An example of personal morality would be a person choosing to follow a strict code of conduct even in the absence of external rewards or punishments.
Social morality, on the other hand, focuses on the moral expectations and norms that are shared by a particular society or culture. It involves understanding and adhering to the social rules and norms that govern behavior within that society. For instance, in some cultures, it may be considered morally wrong to eat certain types of food, while in others it may be perfectly acceptable.
Lastly, group morality refers to the moral obligations and responsibilities that individuals have towards the groups they belong to. This could include family, religious, or professional groups. Group morality often involves making decisions that prioritize the well-being and interests of the group over one’s personal interests. For example, a person may choose to sacrifice their own personal desires for the greater good of their family or religious community.
These three categories of morality interact and influence one another in complex ways. Personal morality can shape and be shaped by social and group morality. For instance, an individual’s personal moral beliefs may be influenced by the values of the society they live in, and in turn, their personal choices can contribute to the ongoing evolution of social and group morality.
Understanding these different dimensions of morality is important because it allows us to analyze and evaluate moral issues from multiple perspectives. It helps us to recognize that moral judgments are not solely based on personal preferences, but are also influenced by societal and group norms. This understanding can foster empathy and tolerance, as it allows us to appreciate that different individuals and groups may have different moral perspectives based on their own unique circumstances and experiences.
In conclusion, Purtilo and Doherty’s framework of personal, social, and group morality provides a helpful lens through which to understand and analyze the complexities of morality. These three dimensions of morality interact and shape one another, and by considering them, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence moral decision-making. These insights can contribute to the development of a more nuanced and compassionate approach to moral issues.
References:
Purtilo, R., & Doherty, R. F. (2011). Ethical dimensions in the health professions. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Response to Student 1:
I agree with your analysis of Purtilo and Doherty’s framework of personal, social, and group morality. It is indeed important to recognize the influence of societal and cultural norms on one’s personal moral beliefs and values. This idea is supported by Diamond’s (1996) sociocultural perspective, which suggests that moral development is influenced by the socialization practices and cultural values of a particular society. Therefore, an individual’s moral choices can be understood as a product of their social context.
Response to Student 2:
I appreciate your insights into the interplay between personal, social, and group morality. Another perspective that aligns with this framework is Kohlberg’s (1981) theory of moral development, which proposes that individuals progress through different stages of moral reasoning. These stages are influenced by both personal and social factors, and individuals may experience conflicts between their personal moral beliefs and societal expectations. This highlights the importance of considering the multiple dimensions of morality when analyzing ethical dilemmas.