Overview
This lecture covers Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, including his three stages, the methods he used, and critiques of his work.
Morality and Its Definition
- Morality is our sense of right and wrong.
- Different cultures and individuals may define morality differently, but some universal principles exist.
Kohlberg’s Research and the Heinz Dilemma
- Lawrence Kohlberg studied how people reason about moral issues.
- He used the Heinz Dilemma, a scenario where a man must decide whether to steal a drug he can't afford to save his dying wife.
Kohlberg’s Three Stages of Moral Development
- Answers to moral dilemmas are classified into three levels: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.
Preconventional Stage
- Moral decisions are based on avoiding punishment or gaining rewards.
- Reasoning is self-centered and does not consider broader ethical implications.
Conventional Stage
- Decisions are made by conforming to societal norms and seeking social approval.
- Focus is on law, order, and being viewed positively by others.
Postconventional Stage
- Individuals use personal principles and universal ethical standards.
- Moral reasoning may challenge societal norms if they conflict with personal justice convictions.
Criticisms of Kohlberg’s Theory
- Criticized for gender bias, as Kohlberg's research primarily involved young males.
- Criticized for cultural bias, as the theory reflects Western values and may not fit collectivist cultures where group values override individual justice.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Morality — our sense of right and wrong.
- Heinz Dilemma — a moral scenario used to study reasoning in moral development.
- Preconventional Stage — morality based on self-interest and avoiding punishment.
- Conventional Stage — morality based on conforming to society's rules and gaining approval.
- Postconventional Stage — morality based on internal principles and ethical reasoning regardless of societal rules.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the recommended video in the "Harvard Justice" link section for further discussion on morality (if assigned).
- Review Kohlberg’s three stages and be prepared to apply them to example dilemmas.