Association for Behavior Analysis International

Most people encounter moral dilemmas, or situations in which multiple courses of action seem to be indicated as “moral,” throughout their lives beginning in early childhood. Moral reasoning involves consideration of consequences of possible responses to a moral dilemmas. Without training in moral reasoning, many faced with moral dilemmas fall victim to applying a solution based on generalized, universal principles called moral heuristics to a difficult and unique problem. In this way, moral heuristics often involve faulty judgement and action due to insensitivity to direct contingencies. Considering moral heuristics from a behavioral perspective (e.g., in terms of maladaptive, rule-governed behavior) may foster improved understanding of the manipulable conditions under which maladaptive choices are made. This panel will discuss what specific behaviors are involved in moral reasoning independent of moral heuristics, how ABA currently addresses moral reasoning, and the barriers we face in doing so.

Service providers, behavior analysts, clinicians, higher education instructors, school professionals, teachers, people interested in philosophical issues