moral relativism

the belief that the morality or immorality of an action is determined by social custom rather than by universal or fixed standards of right and wrong. According to Jean Piaget, moral relativism is characteristic of children in the autonomous stage of moral development, who consider the intention behind an act along with possible extenuating circumstances when judging its rightness or wrongness. Compare moral absolutism; moral realism; situation ethics.

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Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

downward communication

the transmission of information from individuals who occupy relatively high-status positions within a group or organization to those who occupy subordinate positions. Such communications tend to be informational and directive, whereas upward communications request information, provide factual information, or express grievances. Communication tends to flow downward in hierarchically organized groups. See channels of communication; communication network.