📚

Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory Overview

Oct 6, 2024

Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Overview

  • Theory: Moral reasoning develops in six stages, structured within three levels.
  • Levels:
    • Pre-conventional
    • Conventional
    • Post-conventional

Stages of Moral Development

Pre-conventional Level

  • Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment

    • Moral reasoning based on avoidance of punishment.
    • Example: Finn refrains from helping his friend to avoid being punished.
  • Stage 2: Self-interest

    • Decisions driven by self-gain.
    • Example: Mary helps Tom, anticipating future reciprocation.

Conventional Level

  • Stage 3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity

    • Behavior is influenced by peer pressure and desire for approval.
    • Example: Betty refrains from intervening to conform to group behavior.
  • Stage 4: Authority and Social Order

    • Emphasis on maintaining societal laws and order.
    • Example: Teacher intervenes citing the importance of following rules.

Post-conventional Level

  • Stage 5: Social Contract

    • Rules are flexible and serve a purpose for society.
    • Example: Jessie questions the fairness of the rules regarding Tom's actions.
  • Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

    • Grounded in abstract ethical principles and justice.
    • Example: Headmaster believes rules must be based on justice and compassion.

Application to Moral Dilemma

  • Heinz Dilemma: Evaluates moral reasoning by presenting a scenario where Heinz steals a drug to save his wife.
    • Questions posed about variations in the scenario:
      • Should Heinz steal if he doesn’t love his wife?
      • Does the relationship to the dying person affect moral reasoning?
      • Should the druggist face consequences if the wife dies?

Connections to Other Theories

  • Influence: Based on Piaget's cognitive development theory.
  • Research Methodology: Kohlberg interviewed boys aged 10-16, assessing moral reasoning through hypothetical dilemmas.

Engagement and Support

  • Encouragement to subscribe to the educating channel for more content.
  • Option to support through Patreon to help sustain educational efforts.