Current Theories of Moral Development and Decision-Making

Current Theories of Moral Development and Decision-Making
Student's Name
Institution/Affiliation
Course
Professor
Date
Current Theories of Moral Development and Decision-Making
Moral development is the formation of one's concepts of right and wrong, conscience, ethical and religious values, social attitudes, and behaviors (Jeder, 2020). An individual's moral development help determines how they relate with others in society and go about their daily activities. Effective moral development brings about better ethics and decision-making processes in society. The current theories of moral development and decision-making are supposed to guide individuals on what is expected of them in society and how to solve complex issues. Hence, moral development plays an essential role in maturing children to become good decision-makers governed by ethics.
Today, different events can be evaluated through moral development. Moral development advocates for peace since ethical decision-making is used to reach an amicable understanding (Schafer, 2002). Theories of moral development include psychoanalytic theory, cognitive development theory, operant and social learning theory, and Damon's view of moral identity (Jeder, 2020). Moral development help guides people, especially in the current world with rising events and issues, to ensure everyone is on the right path regarding ethical decision-making. To make the world a better place now and for the coming generations, moral development is vital for effective, ethical decision-making to end world issues like the war in Ukraine.
Theories of Moral Development
Psychoanalytic theory
Young infants do not understand right from wrong; they work with shame and guilt. Infants also have impulse control with internal rules. Parents should be firm but not harsh by discussing issues (Jeder, 2020). The Psychoanalytic theory helps develop moral values in children with the help of their parents and guardians. Parents need to ensure that their infants understand the difference between wrong and right as they grow to have a sense of ethical decision-making. For example, the current issue in Ukraine can be linked to moral development, which would have helped to solve the issue. People raised well with effective morals cannot start a war, killing several people when there is room for negotiation. Ethical decision-making must have failed due to poor moral development as such leaders were growing up (Schafer, 2002). Even though one can argue that the issue revolves around national security, effective moral development would help find better solutions that will not lead to war.
Cognitive development theory
Cognitive d...