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The Moral Judgment of the Child
416 pages, 1997
philosophy
711 books
psychology
705 booksThis classic study examines a problem that stands at the heart of society: How does a child distinguish between right and wrong?
Professor Piaget and his colleagues begin their investigation by analyzing the rules of the game – in this case a seemingly simple game of marbles – as handed down from one group of children to another. They observe the child's total acceptance of the consensus rules and describe the moral pressure of the group on the individual. Piaget proceeds to an analysis of lying, cheating, adult authority, punishment, and responsibility, noting and evaluating the changing attitudes of growing children toward these moral realities.
The book concludes with a comparison of the findings of this significant study with those theories in social psychology and sociology that bear directly on the moral development of the child.
In 'The Moral Judgment of the Child', Jean Piaget explores the development of moral judgment in children. He suggests that children's understanding of right and wrong evolves as they grow, starting from a 'heteronomous' stage where they view rules as fixed and unchangeable, to an 'autonomous' stage where they understand that rules can be negotiated and changed.
Piaget emphasizes the importance of social interaction in moral development. He believes that through interactions with peers, children learn to consider others' perspectives, leading to a more nuanced understanding of morality. So, if you're a parent or a teacher, encouraging group activities could be a great way to foster moral development.
The book also highlights how authority figures can impact a child's moral judgment. In the early stages, children tend to view the rules set by adults as absolute. However, as they grow older, they start to see that rules can be questioned and are not always fair. This is a crucial insight for anyone involved in child education or parenting.
Piaget's research in 'The Moral Judgment of the Child' shows that the journey to moral autonomy is a gradual process. It's not something that happens overnight. This understanding can help parents and educators to be patient and supportive as children navigate their way towards moral independence.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of fairness and equality in a child's moral development. Piaget found that children develop a sense of justice and fairness from a young age. This suggests that teaching children about these concepts early on can help shape their moral compass.
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