Title

Teaching Ethics Informed By Neuroscience

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2016

Publication Source

Journal of Teaching in Social Work

Abstract

New findings about the brain are explicating how we make moral and ethical decisions. The neuroscience of morality is relevant to ethical decision making in social work because of a shared biopsychosocial perspective and the field’s explanatory power to understand possible origins of universally accepted morals and personal attitudes at play in ethical dilemmas. The neuroscience of morality and the evolutionary theory in which it is grounded are recommended for inclusion in social work ethics courses. Advantages to students include understanding of origins of moral attitudes, contextualization of their moral inclinations and emotional reactions to ethical dilemmas, and understanding of how the brain helps or hinders situational ethical decision making. A sample course module outline is provided, as well as ideas for inclusion of the neuroscience of morality in other courses.

Inclusive pages

302-311

ISBN/ISSN

0884-1233

Comments

Permission documentation is on file.

Publisher

Taylor and Francis

Volume

36

Issue

3

Peer Reviewed

yes

Keywords

evolutionary theory, morality, neuroscience, social work education, social work ethics

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