Human Nature and Conduct: An Introduction to

Human Nature and Conduct: An Introduction to Social Psychology In Human Nature and Conduct, John Dewey propounds the theory that all human conduct is the outcome of an interaction between elements of human nature and the environment, both natural and social (Dewey, p. 10). Based on this premise, Dewey advocates that the study of morals or ethics shift its ground from a transcendental realm to one where the discipline of social psychology is used to intelligently reengineer the environment so that ethical behavior is habitually encouraged.

Thus, Dewey defines the moral problem as that of "modifying the factors which now influence future results. To change the working character or will of another we have to alter objective conditions which enter into his habits." (p. 18) Personally, I agree with Dewey's philosophy because its construct makes the achievement of an ethical world seem more real and less utopian.

The subject of morals or ethics concerns itself with refining human nature, which it has historically attempted to do by the promise that the good and the righteous will be rewarded. However, too often, this promise fails to materialize in a world where "a Socrates is seen to drink the hemlock of the criminal, and where the vicious are seen to occupy the seats of the mighty."(p.

50) Thus, like Dewey, I have often felt that the real world pays lip service to a morality that it all too frequently fails to practice. This state of affairs. I believe, acts as a disincentive to ethical behavior as any human individual will always be, first and foremost, concerned with his or her own survival and earthly interests. As against this, if it were possible to create a social environment, which focused on rewarding ethical behavior, it would encourage more and more people to live up to their professed morals.

Thus, I tend to agree with Dewey that unless the integrity of morals with human nature and the environment is recognized (p. 13), no amount of preaching good will or the importance of virtue will accomplish the results (p. 22). In fact, Dewey's philosophical model is substantiated by society's current preoccupation with the question of ethical standards in business, and the discontinuity between occupational and ordinary morality.

This question has arisen primarily because organizational behavior has resulted, from time to time, in creating and perpetuating social injustices such as failing to safeguard the interests of shareholders, employees, consumers, and the less advantaged sections of society. Thus, it is apparent that an important facet of the environment does not live up to one of the primary norms of morality, which is to avoid causing harm to another.

Indeed, this fact is evident in the recent scandals that have swept corporate America, leading to the closure of blue chip companies such as Enron and Arthur Anderson. When such incidents happen, it affects society and individual ethical behavior in two pertinent ways. One, it results in social injustice since such unethical behavior leads to both investor losses and employees losing their livelihood.

Two, and more important, it sends conflicting signals about the question of ethics as different measures are used to judge and punish white collar crimes on the grounds that individuals cannot be held entirely accountable for the actions of an institution, as they were merely doing their jobs or following instructions.

The point here is that a differentiation between personal and professional ethics can lead to the violation of ordinary ethics becoming more of a habit, particularly since an individual spends the maximum number of waking hours in a business environment. Thus, it is evident that Dewey's contention that the social environment, in all its facets, must play an important role in inculcating habitual moral behavior is a valid one.

For, as he rightly points out, "the separation of motive from motive-force in action accounts both for the morbidities and futilities of the professionally good, and for the more or less subconscious contempt for morality entertained by men of a strong executive habit with their preference for "getting things done." (p. 45) Dewey supports his philosophy by contending that moral dispositions are not a function of the self alone, but working adaptations of personal capacities with environing forces: "All virtues and vices are habits which incorporate objective forces.

They are interactions of elements contributed by the make-up of an individual with elements supplied by the out-door world. They can be studied as objectively as physiological functions, and they can be modified by change of either personal or social elements." (p. 15) To do so, however, requires the knowledge of the selective and directive force of each social situation and exactly how each habitual tendency is promoted and retarded (p. 148).

In effect, Dewey advocates that while it is not possible to simplify moral issues, an attempt must be made to resolve the traditional conflict between moral goods and natural goods. For, as he says, "the utilitarian theory of equation of acts with consequences is as much a fiction of self-conceit as is the assumption of a fixed transcendental world wherein moral ideals are eternally and immutably real. Both of them deny in effect the relevancy of time, of change, to morals ...." (p.

51) Dewey's view that social institutions and forces can be reengineered to bring about effective social reform and encourage individual morality is lent credence by the historical evolution of human society. Take, for instance, the world's increasing adoption of democracy as the more enlightened form of government, which encourages the preservation and protection of the individual right to freedom and dignity. Or, the recent emphasis on social institutions and businesses adhering to non-discriminatory practices.

Irrespective of the manner in which such changes have been brought about, the fact remains that an environment that observes and encourages democratic principles has a profound effect on individual outlook and behavior as well. Indeed, the latter is evident in the now more or less continuous.