Moral suasion

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/moral-suasion

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the historical significance?Instrumental in major social reform movements, notably the abolition of slavery
2. What is the economic mechanism?Governmental 'jawboning' to influence private sector behavior beyond statutory law
3. How does moral suasion help change society?It can change what people think and do by making them feel that certain actions are good or bad, like how abolitionists convinced people that slavery was wrong.
4. What is the difference between pure and impure moral suasion?Pure moral suasion relies only on a person's own sense of right and kindness, while impure moral suasion also uses a leader’s authority or hints that not following could cause trouble.

Ethical Reasoning: The process of determining the morally correct course of action in a given situation.
Coercion: The practice of persuading someone to do something by the use of force or threats.
Altruism: Unselfish concern for the well-being of others, often motivating 'pure' moral suasion.