Abstract
Campbell and Christopher criticized the literature on moral development and altruism for its reliance on Kantian presuppositions and suggested alternative ways to view morality. Although their arguments are convincing in regard to the importance of considering other conceptions of morality, a number of their assertions in regard to work on altruism and prosocial behavior are less convincing. Campbell and Christopher based some of their conclusions on questionable definitions of prosocial behavior and altruism, incorrect assumptions about others' assertions and beliefs, and reference to a limited portion of the research on prosocial behavior. These and other limitations of Campbell and Christopher's assertions are discussed. In addition, research pertaining to factors viewed by Campbell and Christopher as neglected in moral development theory is briefly reviewed. It is suggested that Kantian presuppositions have played only a minor role in theory and research on prosocial development.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 48-68 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | Developmental Review |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Mar 1996 |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Education
Cite this
Caught in a narrow Kantian perception of prosocial development : Reactions to Campbell and Christopher's critique of moral development theory. / Eisenberg, Nancy.
In: Developmental Review, Vol. 16, No. 1, 03.1996, p. 48-68.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Caught in a narrow Kantian perception of prosocial development
T2 - Reactions to Campbell and Christopher's critique of moral development theory
AU - Eisenberg, Nancy
PY - 1996/3
Y1 - 1996/3
N2 - Campbell and Christopher criticized the literature on moral development and altruism for its reliance on Kantian presuppositions and suggested alternative ways to view morality. Although their arguments are convincing in regard to the importance of considering other conceptions of morality, a number of their assertions in regard to work on altruism and prosocial behavior are less convincing. Campbell and Christopher based some of their conclusions on questionable definitions of prosocial behavior and altruism, incorrect assumptions about others' assertions and beliefs, and reference to a limited portion of the research on prosocial behavior. These and other limitations of Campbell and Christopher's assertions are discussed. In addition, research pertaining to factors viewed by Campbell and Christopher as neglected in moral development theory is briefly reviewed. It is suggested that Kantian presuppositions have played only a minor role in theory and research on prosocial development.
AB - Campbell and Christopher criticized the literature on moral development and altruism for its reliance on Kantian presuppositions and suggested alternative ways to view morality. Although their arguments are convincing in regard to the importance of considering other conceptions of morality, a number of their assertions in regard to work on altruism and prosocial behavior are less convincing. Campbell and Christopher based some of their conclusions on questionable definitions of prosocial behavior and altruism, incorrect assumptions about others' assertions and beliefs, and reference to a limited portion of the research on prosocial behavior. These and other limitations of Campbell and Christopher's assertions are discussed. In addition, research pertaining to factors viewed by Campbell and Christopher as neglected in moral development theory is briefly reviewed. It is suggested that Kantian presuppositions have played only a minor role in theory and research on prosocial development.
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U2 - 10.1006/drev.1996.0002
DO - 10.1006/drev.1996.0002
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0030535060
VL - 16
SP - 48
EP - 68
JO - Developmental Review
JF - Developmental Review
SN - 0273-2297
IS - 1
ER -