The patient as moral agent in psychotherapy

Psychotherapists may be uncertain whether the morality of the patient is their concern. Philosophically, we can distinguish between two kinds of morality: relativistic and universal. Relativistic morality is concerned with the conventions of a particular society and is authoritarian in nature. Universal morality is common to all humanity and is innate and autonomous. We can identify the two kinds of morality in psychological theory, representing stages of development. Psychoanalysis may facilitate a movement from authoritarian (relativistic) to autonomous (universal) morality. I shall argue that universal morality is relevant in psychotherapy. On the other hand, the therapist might help patients to question and reconsider their adherence to conventional codes.