Moral Development

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development Assessed moral reasoning by posing hypothetical moral dilemmas and examining the reasoning behind people’s answers Proposed six stages, each taking into account a broader portion of the social world

Levels of Moral Reasoning Preconventional—moral reasoning is based on external rewards and punishments Conventional—laws and rules are upheld simply because they are laws and rules Postconventional—reasoning based on personal moral standards

Level One - Preconventional Moral Reasoning Characterized by the desire to avoid punishment or gain reward Typically children under the age of 9

Level One – Preconventional morality Stage 1 – fear punishment for disobedience The physical consequences of a behavior (punishment or lack of it) determine the behavior’s goodness or badness

Stage 2 – in their best interest to obey Level One – continued Stage 2 – in their best interest to obey Good behavior is that which satisfies one’s own needs and occasionally the needs of others. A degree of fairness exists, but it always has a practical application If you give me this, I’ll give you something in return

Level 2. Conventional Moral Reasoning Primary concern is to fit in and play the role of a good citizen People have a strong desire to follow the rules and laws. Typical of most adults

Stage 3 – based on conformity and loyalty Level 2 – continued Stage 3 – based on conformity and loyalty Good behavior is that which pleases others. There is a great deal of conformity, and behaviors are usually judged by intention

Stage 4 – a “law-and-order” orientation Level 2 – Continued Stage 4 – a “law-and-order” orientation Good behavior are those that show respect for authority , fixed rules, and maintained of the status quo for its own sake

Level 3. Post conventional Moral Reasoning Characterized by references to universal ethical principles that represent the rights or obligations of all people Most adults do not reach this level.

Level 3 – Continued Stage 5 – values and laws are relative and change; recognition that people hold differing standards Good behavior are those that uphold individual rights while meeting the standards have been consensually validated by the society

Stage 6 – standard based on universal human rights Level 3 – continued Stage 6 – standard based on universal human rights Good behaviors are those that transcend standards set by any social or legal group. Decisions are based on individual conscience and involve abstract principles of universal equality and justice

Limitations to theory Stage theory tends to over look cultural and educational influences on reasoning People’s moral reasoning is often inconsistent across situations Moral reasoning and behavior are often unrelated