What Can The Wheel Of Morality Tell Us?
Morality and the concept of individual character have been represented in many different shapes over the years. From pie charts to other symbols, tools like these have allowed psychologists to explain concepts in a way that’s available to a wide variety of people. One proposed method to observe humans is the character wheel or “the wheel of mortality,” which is a resource that attempts to understand human behavior and its roots. Understanding what the wheel can teach us may help us learn more about ways to connect with others and become more acquainted with our own inner selves.
What makes up the wheel?
The wheel of morality resembles that of a wheel you might see on a car.
Though these pieces of character aren’t necessarily all there is to an individual, they can serve as a framework that can help both psychologists and other people understand a person’s needs and sense of self.
They often develop as a result of social, biological, and psychological influences. Their effects can relate to a person’s behavior, psychological features, cognitive abilities, and more, which makes the character wheel or wheel of morality a useful tool for many mental health professionals seeking to develop adequate treatment plans. Let’s take a closer look at the pieces of the wheel and what they can help us learn about ourselves or others.
Traits
Experts have identified some key traits that may paint a picture of an individual that reveals their character rather than the image they present on the surface. Simple traits like being talkative, a lover of books, or a sports fanatic may be one piece of the puzzle, but so too are deeper, more psychological traits like:
How susceptible to stress a person is
How much energy and motivation a person has
How friendly and trustworthy someone appears
How organized (in terms of life goals and behavior rather than neatness) a person is
How open to experience a person is
Identity
A person’s identity can be thought of as the version of themselves they see in their head. Identity can connect to physical traits such as sex or race, but it can also relate to a person’s sense of self-worth. Someone with little personal identity may have a hard time forming or pursuing goals, connecting with others, or taking risks, for example.
Abilities
Nearly every one has different skills, and some people naturally excel at some activities more than others. Abilities can also be tied to a person’s social or cognitive skills, their level of intelligence, and other features that may be beyond someone’s control. Assessing abilities can help a professional identify areas of need or factors that may contribute to someone’s mental health concerns.
Values and virtues
Nearly everyone has their version of morality (whether in real life or virtual such as virtual morality) and personal values. Understanding them can reveal some important things about how a person navigates the world. Those who prioritize care and kindness to others, for instance, may be more likely to bypass their own needs to support those they care about. Values, then, can also reveal a person’s empathy, fears, concerns, and other parts of their personhood that may be buried deep below the surface.
Pathologies
This system typically explores the physical and mental health conditions that may affect a person’s way of life. It may also touch on the vulnerabilities and personal obstacles that an individual can face. Someone prone to anxiety may live with a diagnosable mental health disorder, but they may also be more easily overwhelmed or stressed than others. Pathologies can point to the challenges that may limit or affect a person’s ability to thrive.
What can we learn from all this?
The systems of adaptations that are present in this model can help us get familiar with the things that may most significantly impact the way we think, behave, and change.
If you’re interested in learning more about your own inner psychology or how to get in touch with the things that help shape your character, you may benefit from speaking to a mental health professional like a therapist. Therapy can be a great way to discuss formative experiences, learn ways to address personal challenges, and become more open to new ideas.
Online therapy may be an especially useful option for many thanks to its availability. That means you may be able to seek help more consistently and with minimal stress.
Research shows that online therapy can be convenient and helpful for a variety of mental health concerns, including treating symptoms of a mental illness. One review of several studies focused on the benefits of online cognitive behavioral therapy and found it was a more cost-effective option than in-person treatment for most patients. It also discovered that online treatment could be just as effective as traditional therapy for addressing mental health symptoms, specifically those tied to depression.
Takeaway
What is the concept of morality?
Morality may have different definitions depending on who you ask. Some people consider morality to be a person’s individual code of conduct. For others, morality has a broader definition. The wheel of morality described in this article frames morality in terms of the views, values, experiences, and personality traits that make a person who they are. These can contribute to their beliefs about right and wrong, their reactions to challenges, and the things they value in their relationships and interactions.
What are the four areas of morality?
Although there are various ways of breaking down morality, the wheel of morality described in this article includes five areas, which are:
- Traits: A person’s traits include the natural elements of their character. Some examples might be their energy levels, how organized they are, or how outgoing they are.
- Identity: Identity can be described as the way someone sees themselves. This can affect their beliefs and their likelihood of doing certain things. For example, if someone views themselves as “awkward” or “socially dead,” they may be less likely to go out and try to meet new people.
- Abilities: Abilities include the actions and behaviors a person excels at, such as sports, socializing, or staying focused on tasks. These can also shape their view of themselves.
- Values and virtues: Often associated with “traditional” definitions of morality, values and virtues reflect what people see as most important. Adding moral views to the wheel of morality can help provide insight into a person’s character—for example, their likelihood of helping someone in need.
- Pathologies: Pathologies include physical and mental health challenges, which may affect a person’s beliefs and behaviors. For example, if someone always makes the bed, makes dinner every night, and cleans their house, being diagnosed with depression might make them less likely to do these things. This can in turn shape their sense of self.
Reflecting on these morality segments may be helpful for gaining a deeper understanding of yourself. If you have concerns about where the wheel landed for you, or you want to discuss other ways of exploring morality, you might also consider talking to a mental health specialist.
What are the four purposes of morality?
Different people may have different opinions about the purposes of morality. That said, four commonly discussed ones include:
- Helping people understand their own behaviors
- Helping people understand the behaviors of others
- Providing a compass for figuring out the right course of action
- Helping societies set rules, keep order, and work toward common goals
In addition, understanding your own morality can be important for seeking out relationships, jobs, and interests that have moral and educational value to you. Recognizing that other people’s moralities may be different than yours can also help promote curiosity and empathy when interacting with others.
What are the moral values of life?
Moral values are the principles that people may use to guide their actions based on what they think is right and wrong. Some common moral values people may view as important include:
- Charity
- Integrity
- Empathy and compassion
- Justice
- Forgiveness
- Respect for others
- Gratitude
Moral values can be different for everyone. Figuring out which ones are important to you can be useful for living in a way that’s true to your beliefs.
Who does morality apply to?
Generally speaking, morality can apply to anyone. That said, different people may have different features on the wheel of morality, and they may also have different moral codes.
How does morality affect people’s lives?
Although morality is often seen in abstract terms, it can apply to a wide range of areas in daily life. Some examples of these may include:
- Guiding decision-making, especially when there isn’t a clear right or wrong answer
- Guiding people in relationships and interactions—for example, when choosing a romantic partner
- Helping people understand why they behave the way they do
- Helping people resolve conflicts by understanding the morality of others
Understanding what you value and what forms the basis of your character can guide your actions and help you stay true to who you are. An example of this might be if you found a wallet on the ground, believed that taking it wouldn’t be moral, brought it to the police instead, and walked away with a clear conscience. This is the type of decision that a person’s morality can help shape.
Is morality a matter of character?
While morality and character may not always be the same thing, for many people, the two concepts are tied together. It may help to think of a person’s “character” as the set of traits, abilities, and experiences that form the foundation of who they are.
A person’s morality often includes their beliefs about right and wrong, which can help guide their decision-making. This can form a significant part of their character. On the flip side, aspects of a person’s character, like their past experiences or their personality traits, can also influence their views on what is right and wrong. That said, this can depend on the person.
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