Flavor #15: Moral Cognition (Da’at; Hakam; Biyn; Aisthesis; Arete)

(Complete list and links to the 31 Flavors of Wisdom)

Meaning, Essence and Significance: Moral cognition is the capacity to discern and choose right over wrong, integrating knowledge (#3), wisdom, and ethical sensitivity. The Hebrew term Da’at denotes deep, experiential knowledge that informs your moral judgment. Hakam refers to moral sensitivity, and your attunement to ethical nuances that arise in various life situations. Biyn encompasses discernment (#11) and understanding (#20), and your ability to distinguish between the choices and options before you. The Greek term Aisthesis signifies perception (#10) and moral discernment. Arete is outstanding moral goodness and excellence of character (#7), which is highly esteemed by others who either observe or receive this behavior from you. Together, these concepts form a comprehensive framework for moral cognition, which means you’ll thoroughly think through situations and successfully navigate complex life issues that arise with clarity, integrity and strength of character, where the behavior you demonstrate not only reflects your identity, but is typically esteemed by others!

Practical Appearance and Nutritional Value: Moral cognition manifests as thoughtful reflection before action, as you consider the simple, or profound implications of your decisions. It involves seeking counsel, weighing options with discernment, and aligning your choices with your chosen Healthy Adult Mode/Core values. This practice results in a clear conscience, builds trust in relationships, and cultivates a reputation of integrity. By consistently applying moral cognition, you develop competence against ethical dilemmas as you contribute to a culture that needs to see people like you modeling “doing the next right thing.”

Who deserves some of this seasoning?  “The people I encounter deserve from me the seasoning of moral cognition. This involves my engagement in open and honest communication, making decisions that reflect my virtues and values, and demonstrating consistency between my words and actions. It means addressing conflicts with fairness, admitting mistakes, and prioritizing (our relationship’s) well-being over my personal ego. By embodying moral cognition, I aim to create a positive example with others, become an effective agent of change, and leave a legacy of behavior that reflects the practice of good.”

So thanks again for looking at these 31 Flavors of Wisdom and hopefully, participating in the 31 Day Wisdom Challenge, and for reading this excerpt from Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life. As time permits, please visit the other blogs written by Dr. Ken McGill: Daily Bread for Life and “3–2- 5–4–24” for additional information that could be helpful.

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About Dr Ken McGill

Dr. Ken McGill is an ordained minister and has been involved in counseling for more than 25 years. Dr. McGill holds a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University), a Certificate of Completion in the Alcohol and Drug Studies/Counseling Program from the University of California at Los Angeles and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. Dr. McGill received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in May, 2003. Dr. McGill's dissertation focused on the development of an integrated treatment program for the sexually addicted homeless population, and Ken was "personally mentored" by dissertation committee member Dr. Patrick Carnes, a pioneer in the field of sex addiction work. Dr. McGill authored a chapter in the text The Clinical Management of Sex Addiction, with his chapter addressing the homeless and sex addiction. Dr. McGill is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the States of Texas and California and Mississippi, and is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, through the International Institute for Trauma and Addictive Professionals (IITAP). Dr. McGill had a private practice in Glendora, CA (Aspen Counseling Center), Inglewood, CA (Faithful Central Bible Church), and Hattiesburg, MS (River of Life Church), specializing in the following areas with individuals, couples, families, groups and psychoeducational training: addictions and recovery, pre-marital, marital and family counseling, issues related to traumatization and abuse, as well as depression, grief, loss, anger management and men's and women's issues. Dr. McGill also provided psychotherapeutic treatment with Student-Athletes on the University of Southern Mississippi Football and Men's Basketball teams. Dr. McGill served as the Director of the Gentle Path Program, which is a seven-week residential program, for people who are challenged with sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, and relationship issues. Dr. McGill also supervised Doctoral students in the Southern Mississippi Psychology Internship Consortium with the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. McGill was inducted into the Azusa Pacific University Academic Hall of Honor, School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences, in October, 2010. Dr. McGill currently works as a Private practice clinician with an office in Plano, Texas, providing treatment with people who are challenged in the areas mentioned above.

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Daily Bread for Addressing Compulsion

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