When the public learned of Hartshorne’s results, there was widespread shock and outrage. “There has been no more disconcerting theory for parents and teachers generally than the doctrine that moral behavior is specific and conditioned to a large degree by the external situation,” Hartshorne declared in response. “If Johnny is honest at home and you should remark that he cheats in his school examinations, his mother is more apt to be incredulous. However repugnant to popular opinion, the doctrine of specificity would seem to be well established . . . honesty, charity, cooperation, inhibition,
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