A Moral Experience Feedback Loop: Modeling a system of moral self-cultivation in everyday life

Abstract

This systems thinking model illustrates a common feedback loop by which people engage the moral world and continually reshape their moral sensibility. The model highlights seven processes that collectively form this feedback loop: beginning with (1) one’s current moral sensibility which shapes processes of (2) perception, (3) deliberation, (4) decision-making, (5) embodying action, (6) reflection on self-evaluation and other’s responses, and (7) consolidation into one’s moral sensibility of the lessons learned. Improvements on previous models of moral engagement include (1) recognizing moral sensibility as the grounding for moral engagement, (2) articulating a systems approach and (3) illustrating a feedback loop that brings the moral protagonist full-circle leaving her with a slightly changed moral sensibility with which to engage the next moral context.

Keywords:

• moral sensibility
• feedback loop
• systems
• moral experience
• moral development