PERDEV (2ND QTR) - Lesson 2: Laurence Kolberg's Moral Development Theory

Laurence Kohlberg (1927-1987)

Studied "how children understand what is right and wrong" , and "how children develop a sense of morality. "

Laurence Kohlberg (1927-1987)

Recognized the role of cognitive ability in developing moral reasoning of children.

Morality

WEITEIN (2014, 2011) defines it as the "ability to distinguished right from wrong and to behave accordingly. "

Moral Reasoning

Is a cognitive process that human uses to decide what is right or wrong

Heinz' Dilemma

Man needs drug to save wife's life. Drug is too expensive so man steals it. To identify the stage of moral development

1) Preconventional Level
Stage 1: Obedience/Punishment orientation
Stage 2: Mutual Benefit, "Reward Orientation"
2) Conventional Level
Stage 3: Social approval, "Good Boy-Good Girl orentation"
Stag 4: Law and order, "Authority Orientation"
3) Postconventional Level
Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
Stag 6: Universal Ethical Principles, "Value of Life"

Stages of Moral Reasoning

Stage 1: Obedience/Punishment orientation
Stage 2: Mutual Benefit, "Reward Orientation"

1) Preconventional Level

Preconventional Level

- There is recognition of authority who gives "punishments" or "rewards. "
- All about the consequences of actions to oneself.
- EGOCENTRIC MORAL REASONING

Preconventional Level

There is understanding that there are rules to follow to be accepted and to maintain order.

Stage 1: Obedience/Punishment orientation

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on what action is punished. The child obeys to avoid punishment.

Stage 2: Mutual Benefit, "Reward Orientation"

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on what is rewarded

Conventional Level

- All about the consequences of actions to ONESELF AND OTHERS.
- There is understanding that there are rules to follow to be accepted and to maintain order.

Stage 3: Social Approval, "Good boy-Good Girl orientation"
Stage 4: Law and Order, "Authority Orientation"

2) Conventional Level

Stage 3: Social Approval, "Good boy-Good Girl orientation"

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on what OTHER

Stage 4: Law and Order, "Authority Orientation"

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on the rules that should be followed.

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
Stage 6: Law and Order, "Authority Orientation"

3) Postconventional Level

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation

Deciding what is right or wrong is based on laws; however, one recognizes that they can change. An individual acts based on what will be good for majority

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles, "Value of Life"

Deciding what is right or wrong is base on universal principles. One looks into one's conscience, pursues justice and seeks equality to all cost.

Postconventional Level

The flexibility in accepting rules. An individual may not necessarily accept or follow given rules as he/she develops his/her own personal code of ethics.

Laurence Kohlberg (1927-1987)

"Morality is the ability to see an issue from points of view of others than just your own. "