PSY 5420Morality in Cultural Perspecti

Catalog

Many scholars and researchers in various disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, education, business, medical fields, and so on have studied human moral behaviors, broadly defined, because understanding human morality helps us widen our world view, establish ways of life desirable and contributing, develop safe and fair societies as well as sharpen our critical thinking skills and grow as matured citizens. Particularly if we approach human morality from cultural perspective, it can lead us to appreciate the importance of diversity in societies and equip oneself with openness, generosity, and harmonious life styles. This course provides an overview of the philosophical underpinnings and the empirical (psychological) research findings on human morality in cultural (as well as universal) perspective. The first phase of the course presents the philosophical foundations of the current understanding of morality. And then, it introduces various empirical approaches to human morality in, for example, evolutionary, neuroscientific, psychological, and educational fields. Finally, the course unfolds cultural aspects of morality to help students construct more comparable and realistic views and understanding of human. Students will read, understand, and discuss topics in book chapters as well as published studies in academic journals. Students' achievements will be assessed by their participation to class discussions, responses to reading questions, three commentary essays on readings/discussions, and a final paper.