Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Overview

• Kohlberg's theory proposes that moral reasoning develops in six stages across three levels:
  1. Pre-conventional
  2. Conventional
  3. Post-conventional

Moral Development Stages Illustrated

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment

• Character: Finn
• Moral Judgment: Based on avoiding punishment.
• Justification: Afraid of getting caught fighting.

Stage 2: Self-Interest

• Character: Mary
• Moral Judgment: Motivated by self-interest.
• Justification: Helping Tom could lead to future help for herself.

Stage 3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity

• Character: Betty
• Moral Judgment: Guided by desire to conform.
• Justification: Concerned about others’ opinions; wants to be seen as good.

Stage 4: Authority and Social Order

• Character: Teacher
• Moral Judgment: Values authority and rules.
• Justification: Duty to uphold rules to maintain order.

Stage 5: Social Contract

• Character: Jessie
• Moral Judgment: Rules should serve a purpose.
• Justification: Questions if rules are fair; considers context of Tom’s actions.

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

• Character: Headmaster
• Moral Judgment: Guided by abstract ethical principles.
• Justification: Compassion and understanding others' viewpoints; urges to question unjust rules.

Levels of Moral Development

• Pre-conventional:
  • Finn (fear) and Mary (self-interest) focus on personal consequences.
  • Common in children.
• Conventional:
  • Betty (peer pressure) and Teacher (rule-following) focus on societal norms.
  • Typically seen in adolescents and adults.
• Post-conventional:
  • Jessie (complexity of rules) and Headmaster (compassion) prioritize personal morality over societal rules.
  • Not everyone reaches this level.

Kohlberg's Research Methodology

• Based on Piaget's theory of cognitive development.
• Interviewed boys aged 10-16 to analyze moral reasoning through hypothetical dilemmas.

The Heinz Dilemma

• Scenario: Heinz's wife is dying; he cannot afford the life-saving drug.
• Moral Questions:
  • Should Heinz have stolen the drug?
  • Does love for his wife change the moral implications?
  • What if the person was a stranger?
  • Should the druggist be arrested if the wife died?

Conclusion

• Encouragement to engage in discussion about moral dilemmas and subscribe for further educational content.