Introduction to the special issue: Research in morality as an integrated, interdisciplinary domain of inquiry

Abstract

Increasing divisiveness and prejudicial conflict in Western societies has accelerated interest in convincing moral knowledge. Although social science is a natural place to seek answers, these sciences are hindered by academic siloing. Moral education has also been distant from most research on morality, limiting both groups’ contributions. The new Network for Research on Morality (NRM) addresses these needs by cultivating a cohesive, cumulative body of interdisciplinary research and pursuing a natural partnership with the Association for Moral Education (AME). This special issue explores three emergent NRM themes and begins bridge-building with the AME. The themes are exploring: 1) how morality research can support and inform moral education, 2) how best to promote interdisciplinary research on morality, and 3) the extent to which recognizing researchers’ moral commitments requires a revision of research on morality. These papers simply begin the lively discussions for which these topics so strongly call rather than reporting consensual answers.