1. Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development In connection with “Choices” in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

2. Lawrence Kohlberg American Psychologist
Developed a sequence of stages of moral reasoning about right and wrong
Kohlberg was not interested in the response of right and wrong, but in the reasoning behind the decision

3. Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Reasoning
Kohlberg divided moral development into three levels and six stages.
Each level is a different stage of moral reasoning

4. Level 1: Preconventional Moral Reasoning
Judgment is based on personal needs and others’ rules.
Stage 1: Punishment-Obedience Orientation
Rules are obeyed to avoid punishment. A good or bad action is determined by its physical consequences. Authority figures determine standards.
Stage 2: Personal Reward Orientation
Personal needs determine right and wrong. Favors are returned along the lines of “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” Eye for eye, same for all, treat all the same. Focused on fairness.

5. Level 1: Preconventional Moral Reasoning
Punishment-Obedience
Good or bad is determined by physical consequences
Personal Reward
I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine

6. Level 2: Conventional Moral Reasoning
Judgment is based on others’ approval, family expectations, traditional values, the laws of society, and loyalty to country.
Stage 3: Good Boy – Nice Girl Orientation
Good means “nice.” It is determined by what pleases, aids, and is approved by others. Considers own feelings (conscience) and feelings of others. Puts oneself in other’s shoes. Follows stereotypes of right behavior of majority.
Stage 4: Laws and Order Orientation
Laws are absolute. Authority must be respected and the social order maintained. Rigid, fixed rules are hard to change. Respect for authority and majority rule.

7. Level 2: Conventional Moral Reasoning
Good-Boy Nice-Girl
These two are dressed appropriately for work to please themselves and others
Laws and Order
Make sure to obey these signs!

8. Level 3: Postconventional Moral Reasoning
Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
Good is determined by socially agreed-upon standards of individual rights. Standards of behavior are critically examined and socially agreed upon. Law can be changed for the benefit of society. Making decisions for the greater good.
Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation
Good and right are matters of individual conscience and involve abstract concepts of justice, human dignity, and equality.

9. TKM Discussion: Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince
Scenario (plot):
Harry Potter kills “He who must not be named” (Lord Voldemort).

10. TKM Discussion: Harry Potter
What was the decision or choice Harry made?
Harry decides it is necessary for Lord Voldemort to be killed.

11. TKM Discussion: Harry Potter
What Kohlberg level and stage of moral reasoning is Harry Potter at?
Level 3, Stage 5.
It is wrong to kill, but Harry thinks about what is good for both the wizard and the muggle society. He kills Lord Voldemort for the greater good because Voldemort is too destructive.

12. TKM Discussion: Romeo & Juliet
Scenario (plot):
After Romeo and Juliet are married, Mercutio wants Romeo to fight Tybalt, but Romeo says he won’t because he loves him, but won’t tell him why. So, Mercutio instead picks a fight with Tybalt.

13. TKM Discussion: Romeo & Juliet
What was the decision or choice made?
Mercutio decides to fight with Tybalt
-OR-
Romeo decides not to fight with Tybalt

14. TKM Discussion: Romeo & Juliet
What Kohlberg level and stage of moral reasoning is Mercutio at?
Level 2, Stage 3
Mercutio desires to fulfill his stereotype expectations to please others on his side of the family feud. He decides then, to take action against Tybalt because he is worried about what others think.
-OR-
Level 3, Stage 6
Romeo chooses not to fight Tybalt because of his individual conscience, thinking about his beloved Juliet and his desire to please her.