Exploring Moral Imagination

 What?

    Should we look through other people's perspectives to better understand their conflict and solve issues that relate to our own? Chapter three of Manifesto for a moral revolution by Jacqueline Novogratz describes gathering information through moral imagination can help foster more effective solutions to problems ourselves and others face by looking through others' perspectives. Moral imagination tackles the issue of how we view other people's problems as if they were our own and to begin to discern how to tackle those problems while using that information to figure out the solution (Novogratz, 2020).

So What?

    Moral imagination is the basis of an ethical framework for a world that recognizes our common humanity and insists on the opportunity, choice, and dignity of all of us (Novogratz, 2020). Moral imagination allows for us to envision a wide range of ideas and scenarios that are able to tackle a certain ethical dilemma we may face. An article by the University of Texas describes moral imagination as creatively imagining the full range of options while marking moral decisions. This should allow you to make not only ethical decisions but also successful ones by visualizing alternatives to new and creative ideas. The article continues by saying that moral imagination, combined with creativity and moral courage, enables both individuals and businesses to act more ethically in society. Moral imagination acts as a reflection on actions and ideas that can be taken beyond what they are on the surface level and what actual impact they have not only on the organization but also on external groups. According to the Journal of leadership education, moral imagination includes both retrospective and prospective cognition which is essential when considering new ways of thinking about possibilities that are not context dependant contributing to creative imagination and the ability to evaluate new possibilities when making decisions (Enlow & Popa, 2008). Moral imagination is the ability to be able to see the world differently and " envision and evaluate new mental models that create new possibilities, and the ability to reframe the dilemma and create a new solution in new ways that are economically viable and morally justifiable." (Enlow & Popa, 2008)



Now What?

    As a leader, it is important to understand why moral imagination is necessary when using ethical management practices. Leaders are responsible for taking charge of their group and bringing them to a successful solution but also a moral solution. Moral imagination allows for us to consider others' perspectives when looking for a solution while also going to a deeper level than what is originally seen by the naked eye. This process gives leaders a chance to create a growth mindset for themselves and their group. When we fail to acknowledge others' perspectives we tend to fragment others' perspectives and attitudes towards us which creates an us vs. them mentality in our group which leads to a decrease in performance and communication. Especially in today's society, there are so many different and interesting perspectives that are being created and they are important to be considered as it would be reckless to ignore them. Overall moral imagination is the ability for us to create the best version of ourselves and others by analyzing others' ideas, creations, and perspectives. 


References 

Enlow, B. K., & Popa, A. B. (2022, November 5). Moral imagination. Ethics Unwrapped. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/moral-imagination#:~:text=Moral%20imagination%2C%20according%20to%20philosopher,than%20just%20strength%20of%20character.

Novogratz, J. (2020). Manifesto for a moral revolution: Ideas you can use to change the world. Holt & Company, Henry.

The University of Texas. (2022, November 5). Moral imagination. Ethics Unwrapped. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary/moral-imagination#:~:text=Moral%20imagination%2C%20according%20to%20philosopher,than%20just%20strength%20of%20character.


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