Lack of Character
Personality and Moral Behavior

This is a provocative contribution to contemporary ethical theory challenging foundational conceptions of character.

John M. Doris (Author)

9780521631167, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 15 August 2002

286 pages, 4 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.59 kg

'Of course, this work does not constitute a 'how-to' ethical rulebook, but it has an appealing and distressing message to those in the field of ethical practice … It is the author's intention to shed light on the situational factors influencing moral behaviour … I feel that this is an excellent book, although it seems to be missing two interesting viewpoints … the book gives an excellent overview of experimental social psychology in the domain of moral behaviour. It indeed demonstrates the poweful influence situational differences have upon moral behaviour … it is interesting for social psychologists because it summarises a field of research with great relevance outside the strict scientific commune and, hence, legitimises the discipline to a considerable extent … the book seems extremely interesting for ethicists and others studying moral behaviour, as well as people confronted with ethical dilemmas in their daily practices.' Ethical Perspectives

This book is a provocative contribution to contemporary ethical theory challenging foundational conceptions of character that date back to Aristotle. John Doris draws on behavioral science, especially social psychology, to argue that we misattribute the causes of behavior to personality traits and other fixed aspects of character rather than to the situational context. More often than not it is the situation not the nature of the personality that really counts. The author elaborates the philosophical consequences of this research for a whole array of ethical theories and shows that, once rid of the misleading conception of motivation, moral psychology can support more robust ethical theories and more humane ethical practices.

Preface: a renaissance of virtue
1. Joining the hunt
2. Character and consistency
3. Moral character, moral behavior
4. The fragmentation of character
5. Judging character
6. From psychology to ethics
7. Situation and responsibility
8. Is there anything to be ashamed of?

Subject Areas: Social, group or collective psychology [JMH], Behavioural theory [Behaviourism JMAL], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Analytical philosophy & Logical Positivism [HPCF5]