A study on moral values of high school students in Villupuram district

Human ethics and ideals, concepts and moral values, are a way of revealing the interior regions of man and the underlying dimensions of genuine life” (Ahmed, 2007, p. 1). Moral psychology or science of morality, as an emerging branch of social psychology, is concerned with issues that lie at the intersection of psychology and ethics. “It is a discipline of both intrinsic and practical interest; uncovering the determinants of moral judgment and behavior. These determinants may help us to better understand what educational and policy interventions may facilitate good conduct and ameliorate bad behaviour” (Doris & Stephen, 2006.p .10). The philosophical study of human codes of behaviour that are acceptable in a specific group of people at a specific time and terriory is called ‘morality.’ Morality plays a vital role in shaping the personality features of an individual. Strong beliefs, good values, altruism and pro-social behaviour determine the social status of an individual. Societies also develop and nourish relationships by dint of moral values.The values like justice, fairness, honesty, truth and courtesy are acceptable and favourable for all human beings irrespective of their cast and creed.