ETHICS - Kohlberg and Gilligan's Stages of Moral Development

Cognitive Development

Seen to be parallel with moral development.

Prosocial Behaviors

Can only be truly understood with abstract reasoning. E.g., empathy, honesty, welfare, rights, duties, and caring for others.

Heinz's Dilemma

Scenario involving a man trying to save his wife by stealing a drug.

Pre-conventional Level

Defines the moral reasoning of children, where understanding of morality comes from parents or authority figures.

Stage 1: Punishment-Obedience Orientation

Obedience to rules due to fear of punishment, defining morality as avoiding punishment.

Stage 2: Instrumental Relativist Orientation

Acting based on apparent benefits, defining morality as conforming to obtain rewards.

Conventional Level

Involves conforming with the rules of society and upholding social order for everyone's sake.

Stage 3: Good Boy-Nice Girl Orientation

Fulfilling expectations of others to be viewed as a good person.

Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation

Upholding laws and accepted social systems for peace and order.

Post-conventional Level

Making decisions based on personal ideals independent of authorities or laws.

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation

In this stage, the individual prioritizes the public good over laws and authorities, even if it means disappointing some people.

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation

At this stage, moral decisions are based on universal ethical principles like justice, equality, and human rights.

Golden Rule

The principle of treating others as you would like to be treated yourself.

Heinz Dilemma

A moral dilemma where one must decide whether to steal a drug to save a life, highlighting conflicting moral principles.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A figure mentioned in the context of upholding universal ethical principles in moral reasoning.

Conscience

The internal sense of what is right or wrong, guiding moral decisions.

Kohlberg's Theory

A theory of moral development focusing on logic and reasoning rather than emotional aspects.

Gilligan's Theory

A theory proposing a morality of care and responsibility as an alternative to justice-focused approaches.

Victim Mentality

A mindset cultivated by the Heinz Dilemma that can lead to escalating feelings of being a victim.

Carol Gilligan

A scholar who developed a stage theory of moral development emphasizing changes in self-perception for women.

Ethic of Care

A moral perspective focusing on compassion and responsibility towards others, particularly prominent in Gilligan's theory.