Cultural and developmental influences on moral reasoning across societies

¶ … reasoning that moral reasoning is determining what is right or wrong in a situation is acceptable but confusion arise from understanding what is wrong and what is right. Though universal with intercultural variations, it cannot be argued that it is only based on the perception of right or wrong. As a support to this, it is correct that cultures have varying beliefs and opinions and view moral reasoning differently. In China for example, bowing down to elders is a moral act but in America nobody bows to the elders. Besides, Chinese focus on group welfare which is the opposite for American culture which favors individualism.

Second Response

It is generally acceptable that moral reasoning varies based on people's reasoning and beliefs; this response upholds that morality depends on whether a person's act will harm the other or not which is a rational ideology. This belief is awkward since it is not possible to gauge a person's perception of your actions; whether good or bad that is what is good for you may be bad for the other person. Though Hindu and American morality concepts are contrasting; the American being more individualistic while Hindu is socialist, they deeply care for parents. In support, it is true that culture shapes people's views concerning moral reasoning. Americans disregard collectivism attitudes which Hindus are great proponents.

Third Response

Determining what is wrong or right based on what you are taught is correct since society shapes our cultural thinking. However, whatever a particular society teaches may not be acceptable to everybody; this argument fails to convince a person why they should be morally upright. As an example, Africans view morality based on biblical teachings the same as Puerto Ricans. In both cultures, morality entails upholding the familial name by displaying good character to avoid tarnishing the family's reputation. Arguing that cultural differences regarding moral reasoning remain unclear is correct requiring further debate and research. Additionally, morality is unrelated to behavior despite the influence culture has on an individual's belief of morality; this argument is definitely correct and non-debatable.

Fourth Response

As a person develops so his perception of morality changes; during childhood people obey rules without questioning, in middle ages, they uphold these morality standards and later on they become aware of universality and contrast of social norms. Despite these stages, some individuals fail to uphold these teachings which make this theory debatable. African-Americans get social norms via church, family and communal teachings just like Native Americans. Both cultures believe in collectivism lifestyles but different is some perspectives; for Africans, they internalize their woes openly which affect the whole society which is negative for Natives. Nevertheless, it is rational that culture influences moral reasoning though other factors also play major roles.

Sixth Response

Morals are the principal beliefs regarding wrong or right a person has been made to belief in with moral reasoning acclaimed as the ways a person initiates to achieve these beliefs. As such, East Asian countries claim that familial relations are necessary in helping an individual achieve high morals. However, these nations have been having constant challenges regarding morality due to "Americanization" of the younger generation which has led to decline in moral standards as children imitate American moral principles. In this regard, developing new moral reasoning models opposed to the traditional systems results in cultural dilemmas in such countries.