Fifty Shades of Gray: Development of Moral Imagination as the genesis of compassion and ethical reasoning

Moral imagination is the genesis of both compassion and ethical reasoning. It has a distinct role in the understanding of self and community and in the exploration of complex and paradoxical human scenarios. Because the skill is unique to each person, moral imagination is an ability that is more kindled than taught. First year nurse practitioner students were asked to respond to contrasting visual images of human situations in an attempt to expand their awareness of personal judgments and bias and to inspire moral imagination.  Students also worked individually and in groups to resolve everyday moral dilemmas presented in sets of contradictory case scenarios.    Before and after measures of scope, empathy, creativity along with qualitative student assessments  were evaluated in an attempt to refine the “teaching” of moral imagination. Meaningful self reflection was  integral to the staging and evaluation of moral imagination and therefore  self-reflection  assignments were completed throughout the course. Nurturing self-reflection abilities and moral imagination fosters maturation of professional nurse practitioners, who will be  able to exercise compassion in the discernment of everyday ethical situations.