Psychology 2040A/B Lecture Notes - Gossip, Cognitive Development, Prefrontal Cortex

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2040A/B
• Professor: Jackie Sullivan

Document Summary

Morality is grounded in our genetic heritage, perhaps through prewired emotional reactions (observed animals that help others when in need especially among chimps & those they have genetic connection to) We share many morally relevant behaviours with other species & areas within the prefrontal cortex (ventromedial area) are vital for emotional responsiveness to others" suffering psychopaths have less stimulation here. However, mature expression of moral emotions requires strong caregiving supports & cognitive attainments but empathy begins around age 2. 2 perspectives discussed earlier, psychoanalytic theory & social learning offer accounts of how children become moral beings. Yet both regard moral development as a matter of internalization: adopting societal standards for right action as one"s own. According to freud, morality emerges between 3-6, when oedipus & electra conflicts are resolved with formation of the superego & believed that moral development was mostly completed by 6.