Topics in Moral Psychology

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Much of philosophical ethics concerns what we ought to do and the kinds of people we ought to be – the standards, principles, and ideals that inform moral conduct, the character traits that count as virtues. Moral psychology is the study of how we function in realizing (or failing to realize) what morality urges. It seeks an understanding of the capacities that are needed in living a moral life, a life in which we both take responsibility and are (justly) held responsible for what we do (our actions) and the kinds of people we are (our characters). Our exploration of moral psychology will be organized around four basic questions: (1) What psychological capacities are central to moral responsiveness and effective moral agency? (2) How are these capacities developed and strengthened? (3) How are they diminished, compromised, or obstructed? (4) How are they rehabilitated or repaired? Addressing these questions is no simple task, especially if we realistically acknowledge our significant and complex vulnerabilities as human beings. We will take on this task through a close study of a range of phenomena, including well-being and conditions of 'precarity;' moral security; self-worth and effective agency; gaslighting, testimonial and hermeneutical injustice (and their impact); implicit bias, micro-aggressive conduct, and the challenge of “active ignorance;” psychological oppression and gendered shame; “insurgent” agency and self-respect; and the promise and perils of moral anger, forgiveness, and hope.