Why don't moral people act morally? Motivational considerations

被引:109
作者
Batson, CD [1 ]
Thompson, ER [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Kansas, Dept Psychol, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA
关键词
morality; integrity; hypocrisy; motivational conflict;
D O I
10.1111/1467-8721.00114
中图分类号
B84 [心理学];
学科分类号
04 [教育学]; 0402 [心理学];
摘要
Failure of moral people to act morally is usually attributed to either learning deficits or situational pressures. We believe that it is also important to consider the nature of moral motivation. Is the goal actually to be moral (moral integrity) or only to appear moral while, if possible, avoiding the cost of being moral (moral hypocrisy)? Do people initially intend to be moral, only to surrender this goal when the cost of being moral become clear (overpowered integrity)? We have found evidence of both moral hypocrisy and overpowered integrity. Each can lead ostensibly moral people to act immorally. These findings raise important questions for future research on the role of moral principles as guides to behavior.
引用
收藏
页码:54 / 57
页数:4
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