Independent Standards

Definition

Independent standards refer to moral rules that are seen as separate from authority figures and should be followed regardless of their presence or absence. They reflect an individual's internal sense of right and wrong.

Related terms

Moral Development:

The process through which individuals acquire their understanding of right and wrong.

Conscience: An inner sense of what is morally right or wrong, often leading individuals to experience guilt or shame when they act against their own moral standards.

Autonomy:

The ability to think and act independently, making decisions based on one's own values and beliefs rather than relying solely on external influences.