Moral

In psychology, “moral” pertains to the underlying principles that dictate certain forms of behavior and the corresponding actions which are considered right and wrong. Moral development encompasses mastery of ethical reasoning, empathy, and social responsibility. The works of Jean Piaget and Lawrence Kohlberg have posited the transformation of morality from sheer compliance to sophisticated moral reasoning and consideration. The components of culture, upbringing, and level of cognitive development are constitutive of one’s moral orientation and perspective. Psychologists investigating moral reasoning do so in the interest of understanding one’s decisions. For example, the decision to return a lost wallet is a case of moral reasoning informed by the principles of honesty and empathy.