MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Lawrence Kohlberg

Author of a three-stage theory on how moral reasoning develops

Moral Reasoning

The aspect of cognitive development that has to do with the way an individual reasons about moral decisions

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Assessed moral reasoning by posing hypothetical moral dilemmas and examining the reasoning behind people’s answers

Pre-conventional, conventional, post-conventional

Three distinct levels of moral reasoning

Based on the degree

Each level is __ to which a person conforms conventional standards of society, each level has two stages that represent different degrees of sophistication in moral reasoning

Pre-conventional

Moral reasoning is based on external rewards and punishments

Conventional

Laws and rules are upheld simply because they are laws and rules

Post-conventional

Reasoning based on personal moral standards

Pre-conventional Moral Reasoning

Stages 1 and 2, typically children under the age of 10

Pre-conventional Moral Reasoning

Characterized by the desire to avoid punishment or gain reward

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience

A focus on direct consequences, negative actions will result in punishments

Stage 2: Mutual Benefit

Getting what one wants often requires giving something up in return

Right

Is a fair exchange

Fair

Morals guided by what is __

Conventional Moral Reasoning

Stages 3 and 4, typical of most adults

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

Stage 3: Interpersonal Expectations

An attempt to live up to the expectations of important others, follow rules or do what others would want so that you win their approval, negative actions will harm those relationships

Stage 4: Law-and-Order

To maintain social order, people must resist personal pressures and follow the laws of the larger society, respect the laws and authority

Post-conventional Moral Reasoning

Stages 5 and 6, most adults do not reach this level

Post-conventional Moral Reasoning

Characterized by references to universal ethical principles that represent protecting the rights or of all people

Stage 5: Legal Principles

Must protect the basic rights of all people by upholding the legal principles of fairness, justice, equality, and democracy

Stage 5: Legal Principles

Laws that fail to promote general welfare or that violate ethical principles can be changed, reinterpreted, or abandoned

Stage 6: Universal Moral Principles

Self-chosen ethical principles, profound respect for sanctity of human life, nonviolence, equality, and human dignity

Stage 6: Universal Moral Principles

Moral principles take precedence over laws that might conflict with them

Conscientious Objectors

Refused to be drafted becase they are morally opposed to war

Stage 1

Focus on avoiding personal punishment

Stage 2

Seek mutual benefit or fair exchange

Stage 3

Desire to maintain relationships and seek approval

Stage 4

Adherence to rules and authority for social order

Stage 5

Upholding social contracts and greater good

Stage 6

Commitment to universal ethical principles

Moral Character

Set of qualities or traits that constitute an individual’s ethical and moral makeup

Moral Character

Combination of virtues, values, attitudes, and behaviors that define how a person conducts themselves in relation to others and in various situations, especially those involving ethical or moral decisions

Acts that build moral character; acts that emanate from moral character

There is a circular relationship between these two

Courage and Moral Courage

Examples of moral character

Building Character

A person consistently stands up for what is right, even in the face of opposition or personal risk. They believe in the principle of moral courage and are willing to confront injustices or unethical behavior

Emanating from Character

Their courageous actions inspire others and contribute to positive changes in their community or organization. This reinforcement of their values strengthens their resolve to continue demonstrating moral courage in future situations.

Nelson Mandela

Renowned for his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and reconciliation, his moral character was built through decades of activism against apartheid in South Africa, during which he consistently advocated for non-violence, equality, and human rights

Nelson Mandela

His experiences, including his imprisonment for 27 years, shaped his deep-seated belief in the power of forgiveness and reconciliation as esssential elements of a just society

Nelson Mandela

His actions as a leader and statesman reflected his character, upon his release from prison, he pursued negotiations with the apartheid government to peacefully transition South Africa to democracy, demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity and national unity.

Nelson Mandela

South Africa’s first black president, he promoted reconciliation between racial groups, implemented policies to address social injustices, and upheld the rule of law, embodying the principles he had long advocated for

Adolf Hitler

His moral character developed along a vastly diiferent trajectory, his early experiences including his radicalization in Vienna and involvement in WW1, fueled his extreme nationalist and racist beliefs

Adolf Hitler

His worldview, shaped by anti-Semitic ideologies and a desire for authoritarian control, solidified during his rise to power in Nazi Germany. His character was built on notions of racial superiority, militarism, and the pursuit of Lebensraum (living space) for the German People

Adolf Hitler

His actions as a dictator epitomized his character, he orchestrated the systematic persecution and extermination of six million Jews and millions of others deemed racially or politically undersirable during the Holocaust.

Adolf Hitler

His regime imposed totalitarian control over all aspects of life in Germany and occupied territories, fostering a climate of fear, repression, and militarism. His aggressive expansionist policies led to the devastation of WW2 and unparalleled human suffering, reflecting his ruthless pursuit of ideological goals

Nelson Mandela

His moral character was shaped by values and beliefs, experiences and challenges, actions and choices

Nelson Mandela

His actions as a leader and statesman reflected his deeply ingrained moral character: leadership style, policy decisions, global impact

Adolf Hitler

His moral character developed through a markedly different process: influences and indoctrination, experiences and choices, actions and policies

Adolf Hitler

Emanating from moral character: genocide and war, totalitarian rule, historical legacy

Mandela’s Moral Character

He exemplifies the positive impact of principled leadership and ethical decision-making

Hitler’s Moral Character

He serves as a tragic reminder of the destructive potential of moral decay and ideological extremism

Moral Courage

The quality of mind and spirit that enables one to face up to ethical challenges firmly and confidently without flinching or retreating

Moral Courage

Rushworth Kidder, in his book, identifies it as a critical component of ethical behavior that allows individuals to uphold their principles even in the face of adversity, risk, or opposition

Moral Courage

Not just about knowing what is right (reason) but also having the strength and determination (will) to act on that knowledge

Reason

Involves the cognitive processes that help individuals discern right from wrong; it includes logical analysis, ethical principles, and moral reasoning

Reason

This informs the decision, helps identify ethical courses of action and understand the implications of different choices

Will

This drives action, is the aspect of the self that enables individuals to execute decisions, it is the source of motivation, determination, and resolve

Will

Without this, reason alone cannot lead to action, knowing what is right is insufficient if one lacks this to act accordingly

Rosa Parks

Her reason informed her that racial segregation was wrong, but it was her will that empowered her to refuse to give up her seat, sparking the Civil Rights Movement

Self-awareness, ethical education, empathy, and consistent practice of moral virtues, engaging in reflective practices: seeking mentorship and embracing challenges

Achieving the highest level of conscience-based moral decisions. By committing to these practices, individuals can develop a robust moral framework that guides their decisions based on conscience and ethical principles.