Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Overview

• Kohlberg's theory outlines six stages of moral reasoning.
• Stages are categorized into three levels:
  • Pre-conventional
  • Conventional
  • Post-conventional

Moral Development Stages

Pre-conventional Level

1. Stage One: Obedience and Punishment

   • Moral judgments based on avoiding punishment.
   • Example: Finn wants to help Tom but fears punishment from the teacher.
   • Key question: "How can I avoid punishment?"

2. Stage Two: Self-Interest

   • Decisions motivated by self-interest.
   • Example: Mary helps Tom, believing he might help her in the future.
   • Key question: "What's in it for me?"

Conventional Level

3. Stage Three: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity

   • Moral judgment influenced by social approval.
   • Example: Betty wants to intervene but chooses not to, seeking to conform to her peers.
   • Key question: "What do others think of me?"

4. Stage Four: Authority and Social Order

   • Valuing rules and authority to maintain order.
   • Example: Teacher intervenes to stop the fight, emphasizing rule-following.
   • Key question: "How can I maintain law and order?"

Post-conventional Level

5. Stage Five: Social Contract

   • Understanding rules as serving a social purpose.
   • Example: Jessie questions whether school rules serve everyone's interests.
   • Key question: "Does a rule truly serve all members of the community?"

6. Stage Six: Universal Ethical Principles

   • Guided by principles of justice and compassion.
   • Example: Headmaster emphasizes understanding and compassion over strict rule-following.
   • Key question: "What are the abstract ethical principles that serve my understandings of justice?"

Summary of Levels

• Pre-conventional Level: Driven by fear (Finn) and self-interest (Mary).
• Conventional Level: Centered around societal norms (Betty and the teacher).
• Post-conventional Level: Individual morality that may conflict with societal rules (Jessie and the headmaster).

Connection to Cognitive Development

• Kohlberg's theory was influenced by Piaget's cognitive development theory.
• Conducted interviews with boys aged 10-16 to understand moral decision-making.

The Heinz Dilemma

• Scenario:
  • Heinz's wife is dying; he cannot afford the drug needed to save her.
  • Heinz steals the drug after being refused by the pharmacist.
• Discussion Questions:
  • Should Heinz have stolen the drug?
  • Does it matter if he loves his wife?
  • Would it be different if the dying person was a stranger?
  • Should the druggist be arrested for murder if the wife dies?

Call to Action

• Participants are encouraged to comment on their thoughts regarding the Heinz dilemma.
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