Learning From Negative Morality

Abstract

Based on a rich bank of research findings presented over 25 years in the Journal of Moral Education some possibilities are outlined for looking into future research. This is the theory of “Negative Morality”. It consists in the supposition that knowledge and experience of negative behaviour protects right or positive behaviour. Because of experienced “mistakes” the subject remembers this experience and thus more strongly resists a new moral trap. The question of indignation about injustice and shame about “real” unfair or hurtful behaviour will be stressed in a more cognitive and discourse‐orientated way.