Introduction to Ethics Chapter 2

What is moral development?

the process through which people develop the ability to reason about right and wrong and make ethical decisions

What is the “nature vs nurture” debate in moral development?

whether morality develops primarily from genetics (nature) or environment and experience (nurture)

What did John Locke mean by “tabula rasa”?

the idea that people are born as a blank slate and are shaped by experience

According to modern moral development theories, morality comes from what two sources?

nature (biology and nurture (environment)

True or False: most modern theorists believe morality is entirely genetic

false

Who developed the most influential stage theory of moral development?

Lawrence Kholberg

Kholberg focused on what aspect of morality?

moral reasoning

According to Kholberg, what matters more: the decision or the reasoning behind it?

the reasoning behind it

How many levels are in Kholberg’s theory?

three levels

How many stages are in Kholberg’s theory?

six stages

What is the focus of preconventional morality?

self-interest and personal consequences

What is stage 1 called?

punishment and obedience

What motivate a stage 1 thinker?

avoiding punishment

Example of stage 1 reasoning?

“I shouldn’t because I’ll get in trouble”

What is stage 2 called?

instrument and relativity

What motivates a stage 2 thinker?

personal reward or benefit

Example of stage 2 reasoning?

“I’ll help you if you help me”

What is the focus of conventional morality?

social approval and maintaining social order

What is stage 3 called?

interpersonal concordance

What motivates a stage 3 thinker?

being seen as a good person

Example of stage 3 reasoning?

“people will like me if I do this”

What is stage 4 called?

law and order

What motivates a stage 4 thinker?

respect for rules and authority

Example of stage 4 reasoning?

“ules exist for a reason and should be followed’

What is the focus of Postconventional morality?

ethical principles and justice

What is stage 5 called?

social contract

What is stage 5 reasoning?

laws should promote fairness and can be changed if unjust

What is stage 6 called?

universal ethical principles

What guides stage 6 decisions?

universal principles such as justice, equality, and human dignity

Which level is considered the highest in Kholberg’s theory?

postconventional morality

What is one criticism of Kholdberg’s theory?

it focuses heavily on justice may overlook care and relationships

Who became famous for criticizing Kholberg?

Carol Gilligan

What did Gilligan believe Kholberg overlooked?

the ethics of care

Gilligan emphasized what moral value?

care

What is Gilligan’s level 1?

care for self

What is Gilligan’s level 2?

care for others

What is Gilligan’s level 3?

balanced care for self and others

According to Gilligan, what is mature moral reasoning?

balancing one’s own needs with the needs of others

Which theorist emphasized justice?

Kholberg

Which theorist emphasized care?

Gilligan

Are justice and care mutually exclusive?

no, both are important parts of moral reasoning?

What test did James Rest develop?

the defining issues test (DIT)

What does DIT measure?

moral reasoning

What are Rest’s three moral schemas?

personal interest, maintaining norms, postconventional

What is moral sensitivity?

recognizing that a moral issue exists

What is moral judgement?

determining the morally right action

What is moral motivation?

choosing moral values over competing interests

What is moral character?

having the courage and persistence to do the right thing

What does social domain theory propose?

people organize moral thinking into different domains

What is moral domain?

issues involving fairness, justice, rights, and welfare

What is the social domain?

rules, customs, traditions, and authority

What is the personal domain?

personal choices and preferences

Example of the moral domain?

stealing form someone

Examples of social domain?

dress codes

Example of personal domain?

choosing a favorite music genre

What does sequential mean in moral development?

stages generally occur in a predictable order

What does cumulative mean in moral development?

new stages build on previous stages

Do all adults reach the highest stage of moral development?

NO

Can moral development continue throughout life?

YES

True or False: age automatically guarantees moral maturity?

FALSE

What influences moral development besides age?

experience, education, reflection, and environment

Why is studying moral development important?

it helps explain how people make ethical decisions and how moral reasoning grows over time

What is the biggest idea behind Kholberg’s theory?

moral development is about how people reason, not what decision they make

What is the biggest idea behind Gilligan’s theory?

care and relationships are important parts of moral reasoning

What is the biggest idea behind Rest’s model?

knowing the right thing is not enough-you must also be motivated and act on it

What is the biggest idea behind social domain theory?

not all rules are moral rules