Kohlberg's theory states that moral reasoning develops in six stages, divided into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.
Moral reasoning is exemplified through a schoolyard conflict where different individuals at various stages exhibit different reactions and justifications.
The Six Stages of Moral Development
Pre-conventional Level
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment
Moral judgments are based on avoiding punishment.
Example: Finn doesn't help his friend Tom in a fight because he fears punishment.
Stage 2: Self-interest
Decisions are made based on personal gain.
Example: Mary helps Tom because she thinks he might help her in the future.
Conventional Level
Stage 3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity
Moral reasoning guided by peer pressure and desire for social approval.
Example: Betty doesn't intervene in the fight because she wants to conform to the group's behavior.
Stage 4: Authority and Social Order
Emphasis on maintaining law and order through respecting authority.
Example: The teacher intervenes to stop the fight to uphold school rules and maintain order.
Post-conventional Level
Stage 5: Social Contract
Rules are understood as social contracts; morality judged by utility and justice.
Example: Jessie questions whether the rules serve the community's interests.
Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles
Guided by abstract principles of justice and compassion.
Example: The headmaster believes in disobeying unjust rules and emphasizes understanding and compassion.
Not everyone reaches this level.
Connection to Piaget's Theory
Kohlberg's theory is based on Piaget's cognitive development theory.
Kohlberg conducted interviews with boys aged 10-16 to analyze moral reasoning through hypothetical dilemmas.
The Heinz Dilemma
A moral dilemma presented by Kohlberg: whether Heinz should steal a drug to save his wife.
Questions to consider:
Should Heinz have stolen the drug?
Would the situation change if Heinz didn't love his wife?
What if the dying person was a stranger?
Should the druggist be blamed for murder if the wife died?
Conclusion
Kohlberg's stages reflect increasing complexity and abstraction in moral reasoning.
Encouragement to reflect on moral dilemmas and engage in discussion.
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