Poster #40 - Assessing Ethical Reasoning Among Junior British Army Officers Using the Army Intermediate Concept Measure

• In Event: 64.090 - MTCC Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: 64.090-7 - Moral Development and Education Posters

Abstract

Army Officers face increased moral pressure in modern warfare where character and ethical judgement are vital. The paper reports results of a study of 242 junior British Army officers using the Army Intermediate Concept Measure, developed for the UK context. Results are suggestive of appropriate application of Army values to moral dilemmas and of ethical reasoning aligning with Army excellence, regardless of gender. The sample does less well, however, for justification than action reasoning and there are differences following initial training for infantry and artillery officers versus other branches of service. Dilemmas involving anti-torture practice and not covering up soldiers’ failings generated best results compared to those requiring balance between compassion and mission and negotiating personal relationships with military needs.

Authors

• David Ian Walker, The University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa

• Stephen J. Thoma, The University of Alabama