Hi: I enjoyed your instructive essay on the aspectes of learned moral behavior. Although, I am not a layman, I found your narrative easy to follow and as easy to undestand.

The only perspective missing from Kohlberg's research was the effects of PTSD had on the human psyche during the formative years. I feel that all moral standards are qalitative and must be learned. I have also seen men of good conscience perform acts of insane brutality. I have seen God fearing people perform acts of impossible cruelty. I have also witnessed such events and then seen these same people sitting down for dinner with their families as if what happened the day before was a video game.

We know from experience that War, and Religous conversion can bring change in behaviour, but from my experiene I have also seen PTSD jump the boundaries into a pervese abyss.

Thanks again for your excellent piece of writing. I have used similar psychological principles in my recent memoir. I found this post an excellent lesson in better understanding the course of moral development. Regards.