Roczniki Filozoficzne

Volume 15, Issue 4, 1967

Investigations on the Moral Sensitivity of Subnormal Children

Investigations were carried out on the moral sensitivity of subnormal children in order to verify the hypothesis that moral sensitivity in these children is lower than in normal children. In addition it was hoped to find at least certain conditionings. 30 boys in a home for mental retardates (morons) formed the experimental group, while 30 normal boys formed the control group. AH boys investigated were aged 12—14 years. Each individual examined was faced with the same situations given verbally in the form of short anecdotes with illustrations. His task was to state what good or bad he had noticed in them. The number of elements with moral significance that was mentioned was considered the criterion of ability to react to good and bad moral phenomena in situations capable of moral assessment. The experimental group attained decidedly lower results. The mean of points for subnormal children was about 45, while for normal children it was 70. Analysis of the results made is possible to state the dependence of moral sensitivity on intelligence, age, personal experience and emotional factors.