Moral maximalism : in search for the types of behaviour meeting the definition criteria

Bibliogr. s. 125-126

Behaviour known as ‘moral maximalism’ constitutes one of the positive deviation categories. On the basis of literature overview the following four criteria defi ning this behaviour have been identifi ed: 1) it goes beyond standard social expectations; 2) it pursues universal human values rather than self-interest; 3) it requires relatively high individual costs and sacrifi ces; 4) it is not a consequence of the fear of breaking the law. According to these criteria an initial list of 37 types of social behaviour being examples of moral maximalism was prepared. The list was assessed by 95 judges recruited among students. The research aimed at selecting valid examples of moral maximalism that would serve for promoting this type of behaviour in society. Key words: positive deviation, moral maximalism, values.