Overview
The lecture explains Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, detailing its six stages across three levels, and illustrates them with examples and the Heinz dilemma.
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development
- Kohlberg proposed six stages of moral reasoning grouped into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.
- Each stage reflects a different basis for moral judgment and justification.
Pre-conventional Level
- Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment—decisions are based on avoiding punishment (e.g., Finn avoids helping to escape punishment).
- Stage 2: Self-Interest—behavior is guided by personal gain (e.g., Mary helps so others may help her later).
Conventional Level
- Stage 3: Interpersonal Accord/Conformity—actions align with the desire to be seen as good by others (e.g., Betty wants peer approval).
- Stage 4: Authority and Social Order—morality centers on following rules and maintaining order (e.g., teacher enforces school rules).
Post-conventional Level
- Stage 5: Social Contract—rules are viewed as agreements serving the community, questioned if unjust (e.g., Jessie questions purpose of rules).
- Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles—morality is guided by internal principles like justice and compassion, even if it conflicts with laws (e.g., headmaster prioritizes justice).
Application and Research
- Kohlberg developed his stages based on interviews with boys facing moral dilemmas.
- The Heinz dilemma challenges students to justify if stealing to save a life is moral, showing different reasoning at each stage.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Pre-conventional Level — moral reasoning based on self-interest and consequences.
- Conventional Level — judging right and wrong by societal norms and laws.
- Post-conventional Level — morality guided by abstract principles and personal conscience.
- Heinz Dilemma — a scenario used to study moral reasoning about breaking laws to save a life.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect and write personal answers and justifications for the Heinz dilemma and related questions.