Stages of Moral Development Lawrence Kohlberg

A woman was near death from a serious disease. She needed a particular drug that the doctors thought might save her life. The sick woman’s husband, George, didn’t have much money, even after he worked very hard to get all he could.

George had approached everyone he knew to borrow the money, but he could only get together about half of what this medicine cost. He went to the only pharmacist who sold this special medication, but it was still much too expensive, and the pharmacist refused to sell it to him for a lower price.

So, George went out one night, broke into the drug store and stole the medicine for his wife. Was he right or wrong to do this?

Carol GilliganCarol Gilligan Criticized Kohlberg’s interpretation of women’s responses to the scenarios.Criticized Kohlberg’s interpretation of women’s responses to the scenarios. Women tend to focus on relationships and this test resulted in answers that, according to Kohlberg, showed women with a less developed sense of morality.Women tend to focus on relationships and this test resulted in answers that, according to Kohlberg, showed women with a less developed sense of morality.

PRECONVENTIONAL LEVEL This level applies to most children through age 9 or 10 years

PRECONVENTIONAL LEVEL – Stage 1 Moral judgments are based largely on expectations of reward or punishment. Good behavior is seen as obedience to rules that allows you to avoid punishment Key Question: “Will I get caught?”

PRECONVENTIONAL LEVEL – Stage 2 Right and wrong are viewed in terms of satisfying personal need What is right is what feels good for me! Juvenile delinquents and adult criminals

CONVENTIONAL LEVEL Moral judgments reflect social conventions. This is the most common level seen in year olds.

CONVENTIONAL LEVEL – Stage 3 Moral judgments characterized by loyalty and conformity Majority rules “Everybody’s doing it!” - makes it right. Common in the young teen

CONVENTIONAL LEVEL – Stage 4 Moral judgments focus on rules that maintain social order and prevent chaos. Showing respect for authority and doing one’s duty are valued highly. Law and order are important

CONVENTIONAL LEVEL – Stage 4 Common at age Most people don’t go much beyond this stage. You can’t just go around breaking the rules!

POSTCONVENTIONAL LEVEL Moral judgments are derived from principles. Treating others as you would want to be treated. Only 25% of the population age 16 and over ever reach this level.

POSTCONVENTIONAL LEVEL – Stage 5 20% of the adult population Laws are important, but they can be changed. Community rights vs. individual rights This stage still maintains a contractual or legalistic orientation.

POSTCONVENTIONAL LEVEL – Stage 6 Moral judgments focus on respect for individuality. Guidance comes from a strong internalized conscience. Only 5% of the adult population functions at this stage.

POSTCONVENTIONAL LEVEL – Stage 6 True justice Not the letter of the law, but the intent or spirit of the law.

The End

Other Dilemmas to Consider