Final answer:
The question addresses the ability to act counter to one's moral desires, probing the influence of culture, psychology, and personal experiences on morality. It involves examining free will, moral responsibility, and the concept of cultural relativism. Moral reasoning can differ from moral behavior, reflecting the complexity of ethical decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the complex notion of whether one can act counter to their strong moral desires without the influence of external factors that deny personal agency. To understand this, it is imperative to delve into several aspects that influence moral decision-making. One can argue that personal values and morality are deeply influenced by a variety of factors including cultural influences, psychological factors, and personal experiences which together form an individual's moral compass.
When studying a morally troubling topic, practicing cultural relativism can help set aside one's personal values to understand that topic within its cultural context, potentially altering the interactions and questions during research. It is widely debated where morality originates, whether it be internal, such as through one's conscience, or external, influenced by societal norms. Philosophical scenarios often challenge the concepts of free will and determinism, probing the extent to which we choose our actions freely or they are determined by external circumstances.
Moral development is a nuanced process influenced by stages of cognitive growth, personal experiences, and societal factors. Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development indicate that events can force individuals to re-evaluate their moral judgments and grow beyond conventional stages. Moreover, while individuals may articulate certain moral choices, their actual behavior in situations can differ, highlighting a discrepancy between moral reasoning and moral behavior.