Are children born honest or do they learn to be dishonest?

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SUMMARY

Children are innately honest but learn dishonesty through social conditioning and parental reinforcement. The discussion highlights that when children are rewarded for telling the truth in alignment with parental expectations and punished for honesty that contradicts those expectations, they may adapt by altering their truthfulness. This behavioral adaptation raises questions about the integrity of adults, including politicians, who may exhibit both dishonesty and immaturity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of child psychology and development
  • Familiarity with behavioral reinforcement principles
  • Knowledge of social conditioning theories
  • Awareness of moral development stages in children
NEXT STEPS
  • Research child psychology theories, focusing on honesty and dishonesty
  • Explore behavioral reinforcement techniques in parenting
  • Investigate social conditioning and its effects on moral development
  • Examine case studies of political dishonesty and immaturity
USEFUL FOR

Parents, educators, psychologists, and anyone interested in understanding the development of honesty and dishonesty in children.

Loren Booda
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Have you observed that children are innately honest but learn dishonesty?
 
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Then how is it that a politician can be both dishonest and immature?
 
1) Yes I have. Whenever I'm around kids they seem to want to tell the truth, yet a know a lot of older people who lie because "it's fun" (why...?).

2) Dr. Lots-o'watts: that was hilarious : P
 
Loren Booda said:
Have you observed that children are innately honest but learn dishonesty?

You have to learn to walk before you can run.
 
Loren Booda said:
Have you observed that children are innately honest but learn dishonesty?

If children are rewarded for telling the truth when they say something their parents want to hear and punished for telling the truth when they say something their parents do not favor - what other conclusion might they reach than say what (they think) parents favor to receive a reward?
 

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