The process through which a person develops proper attitudes and behaviors - toward other people in society, - based on social and cultural norms, rules, and laws. - Like Erikson, imaged moral development as proceeding through universal stages
American psychologist (Developmentalist) Worked along side Erikson and Jean Piaget at Harvard viewed moral development as a slow process that evolved through one’s lifetime; a person could not skip stages.
Stage 1 (fear of punishment): Morality: obeying rules trying to avoid punishment Stage 2 (expectation of a reward): Morality: doing what best satisfies my needs, or occasionally, the needs of another. “What will this do for me?"
Stage 3 (interpersonal agreement): Morality: doing what parents, teachers, school, peer group, church expect. Striving to be "nice" is the goal. Stage 4 (law and order): Morality: Obeying rules, respecting authority, and fulfilling perceived obligations to maintain social order.
Stage 5 (social-contract legalistic): Morality: behavior based on societal norms, with emphasis on upholding the values of the society. Stage 6 (universal ethical-principle): Morality: based on internalized principles of justice, human dignity, fairness **independent thought and commitment to ideals not limited to legal/moral laws: essential for decisions.
Write a short statement on your understanding of the meaning of Vocation, and which character you are choosing to act as your model for a vocational mission statement, and why *Hand in at end of class
Does clarifying one’s moral reasoning lead to improved moral behavior? - moral system vs. intellectual examination Is justice the only aspect of moral reasoning we should consider? What of compassion, care, relationships? justice vs. care and compassion
Does Kohlberg's theory overemphasize the Western emphasis on individualism? - personal rights vs. the importance of society and community.
Pointed out potential sexist and biased elements: only male subjects used; Concept of morality appears different for men and women; Men tend to value: equity and justice (places most men in stage five or six).
Women tend to value social interaction: - Tend to base their moral decisions on caring for other human beings; - This places women at stage three, making them appear to be less morally developed than men.
Men determine immorality based on treating others unfairly; Women base it on turning away someone in need.