GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course is designed to introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives and empirical research on morality, with a primary focus on psychological approaches. In recent decades, there has been a renaissance in research exploring morality and its associated psychological aspects. Accordingly, this course will emphasize psychological research from a variety of fields, including cognitive psychology, comparative psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and evolutionary psychology, while also incorporating discussions of related work in philosophy, animal behavior, economics, and neuroscience.

The course is intended to provide an introductory overview of morality and related research while also addressing core questions, such as: What is morality? Where does it come from? Do humans have core innate moral intuitions, or are they socially learned and culturally dependent? Is there evidence of morality in any other species?

By the end of the course, students will have a greater appreciation of potential answers to these questions and the ongoing debates that surround them.

By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1) Recognise and understand key terms and major theoretical approaches in the study of morality, with a focus on psychological perspectives.
2) Discuss relevant empirical studies, identifying strengths and weaknesses in their methodologies and theoretical models.
3) Compare and contrast different theories of morality and evaluate their application to selected scenarios and real-world situations.
4) Critically assess key theoretical approaches from various disciplines and consider their relevance to everyday moral judgments and decision-making.
5) Apply theoretical frameworks to case studies, demonstrating the ability to assess real-world interactions by integrating psychological and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

This course will be taught primarily through a combination of lectures and group discussions. In the first part of each class, lectures will introduce key topics and theories, followed by group discussions focusing on related readings and debates. Reaction papers will be assigned for selected topics to encourage deeper engagement with the material. Over the course of the semester, students will prepare an oral presentation discussing the research on a topic of their choice covered in the course. Mid-term and final exams will consist of questions evaluating lecture content and core readings. Readings, reaction papers, and feedback will be provided via the online class platform.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction to Psychology of Morality

Introduction to Psychology of Morality

2[対面/face to face]：What is morality?

Introducing key psychological theories of morality, including classical approaches & moral foundations theory.

3[対面/face to face]：Where does morality come from?

Exploring the evolutionary origins of morality and comparative research on morality in non-humans.

4[対面/face to face]：Morality and religion

Examining the complex relationship between religion and morality and the impact of concepts like supernatural punishment and High Gods.

5[対面/face to face]：Person Centred Morality

Exploring how a person centred approach to morality might offer an alternative to deontological and utilitarian perspectives.

6[対面/face to face]：Developmental Psychology and Morality

Addressing the evidence for innate moral intuitions in infants.

7[対面/face to face]：Mid-Term Exam & Review

Mid-Term Exam & Review

8[対面/face to face]：Emotions and Moral Judgments

Examining the role that emotional responses, especially disgust, play in determining moral judgments and the social intuitionist model

9[対面/face to face]：Mind Perception and Moral Judgement

Reviewing how perception of intentionality & agency impact moral judgements and the Dyadic Morality model

10[対面/face to face]：Empathy: For & Against

Exploring the arguments for and against empathy as a core component of ethical moral systems.

11[対面/face to face]：The role of punishment in morality

Examining the role of punishment in moral systems and how it influences psychological responses

12[対面/face to face]：Moral Responsibility, Free Will & Determinism

Addressing the various perspectives on free will and how they impact concepts of moral responsibility.

13[対面/face to face]：Morality, Genetics, and Politics

Exploring the role that moral sentiments play in determining political beliefs and whether there is evidence these are impacted by genetic factors.

14[対面/face to face]：Final Examination & Wrap-up

Final Exam & Course Wrap Up

Students are expected to complete weekly reading assignments, participate in class discussions, and prepare an oral presentation on a topic of their choice. Reaction papers will be assigned for specific weeks and can be submitted online via Google Classroom. Preparatory study and review time for this class will be at least 4 hours per week.

All readings will be distributed by the instructor.

Joshua Greene (2014). Moral Tribes: Emotion, Reason and the Gap Between Us and Them (English Edition), Penguin Books.
Valerie Tiberius (2014). Moral Psychology: A Contemporary Introduction(First Edition), Routledge Contemporary Introductions to Philosophy).
These books are not necessary to buy but provide good introductions to the topics covered on the course.

Presentation 25%
Mid-term exam 25%
Final exam 25%
Reaction papers & In-class participation 25%

More time will be provided for interactive class discussions and we will focus each week primarily on the core readings to enable greater consistency amongst students. Revision guides will be provided for the exams.

There is no specialist equipment required beyond a PC/laptop and access to the internet. Some classes may be held online. Weekly readings and reaction papers will be distributed via Google Classroom.

None.

You must have taken and received credits in at least 2 courses in psychology.