Kohlberg

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Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory Individuals progress through a series of moral stages. Each stage is characterized by increasingly complex moral reasoning. More comprehensive than Piaget's two-stage theory. Focuses on children, adolescents, and adults. Method: Presented moral dilemmas and asked questions about them. Moral Dilemma A situation presenting conflicting moral principles or values. Individual must make a difficult ethical decision. Example: Heinz Dilemma (stealing medicine to save a life vs. respecting property). Three Levels of Moral Development 1. Preconventional Morality (Ages 4-10) Moral reasoning based on external consequences. Focus: Self-interest, avoiding punishment, gaining rewards. Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation Morality is external to the self. Actions are judged by direct consequences. "Might makes right." Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange (Instrumental Relativist) Awareness that others have different interests. Right is what satisfies one's own needs, and sometimes others'. "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours." 2. Conventional Morality (Ages 10-16) Moral reasoning based on social rules and expectations. Focus: Conforming to norms, maintaining social order, gaining approval. Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships (Good Boy/Nice Girl) Living up to expectations of others. Importance of loyalty, trust, and affection. Desire to be seen as "good." Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order (Law and Order) Focus on obeying laws and social conventions. Duty to uphold laws for the good of society. Law is seen as absolute. 3. Postconventional Morality (Ages 16+) Moral reasoning based on abstract principles and universal ethical standards. Focus: Individual rights, justice, human dignity. Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights Laws are seen as social contracts that can be changed. Recognizes that laws should protect individual rights. Democratic principles are important. Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles Moral reasoning based on abstract, universal ethical principles. Conscience is the ultimate guide, even if it conflicts with law. Principles like justice, equality, and human dignity. Key Concepts Moral Dilemma: A conflict between moral principles. Heinz Dilemma: Classic example used by Kohlberg. Moral Development: Progressive stages of moral reasoning. Comparison with Piaget Kohlberg's theory is more comprehensive than Piaget's two-stage theory. Kohlberg focused on moral reasoning, while Piaget focused on cognitive development impacting moral judgment.