Developmental psychologist Michael Mascolo discusses dynamic skill theory and its implications for moral reasoning. They explore the complexities of development, moral domains, and assessing skills. They also delve into the connection between hierarchical complexity and moral thinking, as well as the concept of normativity and its emergence in different levels of complexity. The podcast concludes with a discussion on agency, emergent causation, and free will.
Dynamic Skill Theory highlights the complexity and spontaneity of human behavior, emphasizing unique trajectories and multiple skill components in development.
Human behavior cannot be easily categorized into discrete domains or developmental trajectories, challenging traditional notions of fixed and distinct skill sets within each domain.
Normativity emerges from relational dynamics and reflective thinking, with higher levels of complexity enabling better navigation of moral reasoning and shaping normative behavior.
Deep dives
Implications of Dynamic Skill Theory in Developmental Psychology
Dynamic Skill Theory, as discussed in this podcast episode with Dr. Michael Moskalo, offers a holistic approach to understanding human development. It challenges the reductionist view of breaking down human behavior into isolated parts and focuses on the relational and contextual aspects of development. Unlike traditional theories that suggest a fixed developmental trajectory, Dynamic Skill Theory highlights that individuals can function at different levels within various skills, contexts, and even within the same person at different times. This theory emphasizes the complexity and spontaneity of human behavior, and the importance of understanding the unique trajectories and multiple skill components that contribute to development.
The Blurry Lines of Domains and Skills in Development
The podcast explores the blurred lines between domains, such as the moral, social, and personal domains, and challenges the notion of fixed and distinct skill sets within each domain. It highlights that skills and developmental trajectories are not rigidly bounded by domains, and that the conventional categorization of skills can overlook the complexity and interrelation between different skills. For example, the discussion questions whether domains like personal and social conventions are truly separate from moral considerations. The podcast suggests that human behavior is dynamic, spontaneous, and emergent, and therefore cannot be easily categorized into discrete domains or developmental trajectories.
Reflective Abstraction and the Emergence of Normativity
The conversation delves into the concept of normativity and how it emerges from the relational dynamics and reflective abstractions of human beings. It highlights that normativity is not inherent in nature, but rather arises from our ability to reflect on and understand the consequences of our actions in relation to others. The podcast suggests that as individuals develop higher levels of complexity in their thinking and awareness, they are better equipped to navigate the complexities of relational dynamics and engage in moral reasoning. It emphasizes the importance of relationality, awareness, and reflective thinking in shaping normative behavior.
The Role of Relational Dynamics in Making Moral Judgments
The podcast explores how a complex understanding of relational dynamics can contribute to making moral judgments. By recognizing the interconnectedness and complexity of different domains, individuals can differentiate their levels of skill and thinking in various areas. This dynamic skill theory allows for a contextualized approach to morality, understanding that individuals may have different levels of awareness or insight in different domains.
The Emergence of Morality and Normativity
The podcast delves into the emergence of normativity and morality in relation to an entity's goal states and functionality. Normativity arises from the relational dynamics between an entity and its environment, contributing to the entity's viability and optimal goal state. While normativity is not absolute or predetermined, a shared set of normativities can be identified among human individuals due to shared biological needs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of relationality, emergent complexity, and understanding the continuity of norms while acknowledging the diversity and forerunners of normativities.
Dr. Michael Mascolo is a developmental psychologist who has written on hierarchical complexity as well as "moral relationalism." In this conversation, we discuss the Dynamic Skill Theory of cognitive complexification before considering what it might mean for moral reasoning. We debate the normative implications of complexification itself, navigating the polar extremes of moral absolutism and moral relativism using a transjective framing. What value is there in tracing value itself down the evolutionary stack? What does this suggest about agency and free will?
0:00 Introduction
0:46 Hierarchical Complexity: Dynamic Skill Theory vs. MHC
9:48 Domains of Development: Particulars and Generalizations
16:00 The Moral Domain
19:47 What is a "Skill"? What is...Anything?
23:33 Is Complexity Normative?
32:48 Moral Relativism vs. Moral Relationalism
43:04 Ontological Normativity
55:30 Where Does "Morality" Emerge in the Complexification Process?
1:04:16 Agency, Emergent Causation, and Free Will
1:11:43 Conclusion
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