Notes on Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Overview of Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

• Development occurs in six stages structured in three levels:
  • Pre-conventional
  • Conventional
  • Post-conventional

Example: Schoolyard Fight

• A scenario involving two ninth graders beating up a student named Tom.
• Observers' reactions vary based on their stage of moral development.

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation

• Example: Finn
  • Moral judgment based on fear of punishment.
  • Wants to help Tom but refrains due to fear of teacher punishment.
  • Thought process: "How can I avoid punishment?"

Stage 2: Self-Interest Orientation

• Example: Mary
  • Motivated by self-interest, understands the possibility of reciprocal help.
  • Decides to intervene for potential future benefits.
  • Thought process: "What's in it for me?"

Stage 3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity

• Example: Betty
  • Wants to help but conforms to peer pressure not to intervene.
  • Concerned about others' opinions of her.
  • Thought process: "What do others think of me?"

Stage 4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation

• Example: Teacher
  • Values rules and authority, intervenes to stop the fight.
  • Believes in maintaining order to prevent chaos.
  • Thought process: "How can I maintain law and order?"

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation

• Example: Jessie
  • Questions whether rules serve the community.
  • Considers the fairness of rules and individual circumstances.
  • Thought process: "Does a rule truly serve all members of the community?"

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

• Example: Headmaster
  • Guided by justice and compassion, understands rules must be just.
  • Advocates for understanding others' viewpoints.
  • Thought process: "What are the abstract ethical principles that serve my understandings of justice?"

Summary of Levels of Moral Development

• Pre-conventional Level:
  • Finn and Mary act based on personal consequences.
• Conventional Level:
  • Betty and teacher act according to societal norms.
• Post-conventional Level:
  • Jessie and headmaster view rules in relation to individual morality and justice.

Kohlberg's Research Methodology

• Based on Piaget's theory of cognitive development.
• Conducted interviews with boys aged 10-16 to analyze their moral reasoning.

The Heinz Dilemma

• Scenario: A poor husband steals medicine to save his dying wife.
  • Key questions to consider:
    • Should Heinz have stolen the drug?
    • Would love for his wife change the decision?
    • What if the patient was a stranger?
    • Should the druggist be arrested for murder if the wife dies?

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