Mirror Neurons

Although the environment may have an effect on how morals are developed, research shows that morality I connected to our biology. In the early 1990’s, researchers found that neurons in the premotor cortex of macaque monkeys selectively fire when performing an action and observing the action executed by others (Pellegrino et al, 1992). The same researchers then began to investigate for evidence of a similar mirror-neuron network in humans. They found that just like in macaque monkeys when humans observe others performing an action such as running or picking up a ball, neurons in the brain allow an internal stimulation of that action in the brain. This meant that mirror neurons provided a representational space for actions that are performed

This means that people’s empathic responses are modulated based on the evaluation of the behaviour of others, empathising with just individuals and dismissing unjust individuals. This often incites behaviours aimed at aiding a just individual in distress rather than aiding the unjust individual. (Eisenberg and Miller, 1987). Feelings of empathy are appropriate to constraining aggression and other behaviours that are seen as detrimental to others (Feshbach and Feshbach, 1969). Thus, empathy can be considered an essential component of moral development. A key aspect of moral reasoning is the evaluation of one’s own thoughts and actions in relation to others, the social world and cultural norms. In this context, moral reasoning is constructed on what individuals should do based on principles or moral values shared with the members of their social environment. Moral emotions are infused with social significance to the interest or well-being of society as a whole or individuals in our social environment (Haidt, 2007). This means that people’s moral emotions are triggered by circumstances that extend beyond personal matters rather than egocentric

Lupien et al (2009) found that while in the womb, the brain of an infant is influenced by stressful situations experienced by the mother which would then affect the hyperactive stress responses of the brain after birth. This is associated with insensitive and detached behaviours in childhood. From these findings, a moral development theory, called Triune Ethics Theory has been established to determine the effects of early life experiences on moral reasoning. According to Triune Ethics theory, moral abilities are undercut by contemporary nurturing practices, therefore neglectful nurturing declines the brain schemes required for moral reasoning (Narvaez,