Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory

Introduction

• Theory on moral development by Lawrence Kohlberg.
• Inspired by Jean Piaget's ideas on cognitive development.
• Kohlberg expanded on Piaget's theories, focusing on moral aspects.
• Utilized hypothetical scenarios to gauge moral reasoning.

Heinz Dilemma

• Central hypothetical scenario used by Kohlberg.
• Story: Mr. Heinz's wife is dying, needs an expensive drug.
• Chemist demands exorbitant price; Heinz can't afford it, steals the drug.
• Moral dilemma: Was Heinz right to steal, or was the chemist right to set his price?

Stages of Moral Development

1. Pre-Moral Level

• Obedience and Punishment
  • Young children view rules as absolute.
  • Heinz is seen as wrong for stealing.
• Individualism and Exchange
  • Recognize rules as guidelines, not absolutes.
  • Heinz was right; druggist was unfair.

2. Conventional Level

• Good Interpersonal Relationships
  • Emphasis on family, community, trust, compassion.
  • Heinz correct for protecting family despite breaking law.
• Maintaining Social Order
  • Importance of laws and social order.
  • Heinz seen as wrong for breaking law.

3. Post-Conventional Level

• Social Contract and Individual Rights
  • Multiple perspectives; balance between human rights and laws.
  • Heinz right; value of life over law.
• Universal Principles (Discarded)
  • Individuals define personal moral guidelines beyond societal norms.
  • Initially considered, later discarded by Kohlberg.

Criticisms

• Theory fits individualistic cultures, not collectivist.
• All-male sample used, ignores female moral perspectives.
• Hypothetical dilemmas may not reflect real-life situations.
• Moral judgment vs. moral behavior: judgment doesn't always predict behavior.

Conclusion

• Kohlberg's theory offers insight into moral development stages.
• Recognizes shortcomings in applicability and sample bias.
• Encourages a broader understanding of moral reasoning.