Moral Dilemma & Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Book I of Plato’s Republic

In what book did Cephalus defines ‘justice’?

Justice

Speaking the truth and paying one’s debts.

Socrates

__________ quickly refutes this account by suggesting that it would be wrong to repay certain debts—for example, to return a borrowed weapon to a friend who is not in his right mind.

Moral Dilemma

What is common to the case is conflict. In this case, an agent regards themselves as having moral reasons to do each of two actions, but doing both actions is not possible.

Moral Dilemma

are situations in which the decision maker must consider two or more moral values or duties but can only honor one of them; thus, the individual will violate at least one important moral concern, regardless of the decision.

False Dilemma

the choice is actually between a right and a wrong.

Lawrence Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

A comprehensive stage theory of moral development based on Jean Piaget’s theory of moral judgment for children (1932)

Jean Piaget’s theory of moral judgment for children

Lawrence Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development is based on?

Lawrence Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

focuses on the thinking process that occurs when one decides whether a behavior is right or wrong.

only boys

Kohlberg’s theory, though extremely influential, was based on research that used ________ as subjects

Carol Gilligan

 In the 1980s, the theory was criticized by the American psychologist ___________ for universalizing patterns of moral development exhibited by boys and ignoring the distinct patterns characteristic of girls.

Level 1: Preconventional Level
Level 2: Conventional Level
Level 3: Postconventional Level

Lawrence Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 1: Preconventional Level

• Morality is externally controlled.

• Rules imposed by authority figures are conformed to in order to avoid punishment or receive rewards.

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation

• Behaviour is determined by consequences. The individual will obey in order to avoid punishment. 

Stage 2: Instrumental Purpose Orientation

• Behaviour is determined again by consequences. The individual focuses on receiving rewards or satisfying personal needs.

Level 2: Conventional Level

Conformity to social rules remains important to the individual. However, the emphasis shifts from self-interest to relationships with other people and social systems.

Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl Orientation

Behaviour is determined by social approval. The individual wants to maintain or win the affection and approval of others by being a “good person.” 

Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation

Social rules and laws determine behaviour. The individual now takes into consideration a larger perspective, that of societal laws. Moral decision making becomes more than consideration of close ties to others. The individual believes that rules and laws maintain social order that is worth preserving.

Level 3: Postconventional Level

the individual moves beyond the perspective of his or her own society. Morality is defined in terms of abstract principles and values that apply to all situations and societies. The individual attempts to take the perspective of all individuals.

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation

Individual rights determine behavior. The individual views laws and rules as flexible tools for improving human purposes. That is, given the right situation, there are exceptions to rules. When laws are not consistent with individual rights and the interests of the majority, they do not bring about good for people and alternatives should be considered

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation

this is the highest stage of functioning. However, he claimed that some individuals will never reach this level. At this stage, the appropriate action is determined by one’s self-chosen ethical principles of conscience. These principles are abstract and universal in application. This type of reasoning involves taking the perspective of every person or group that could potentially be affected by the decision.

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation

Right and wrong are based on consequences.
→ Example: A child follows rules to avoid getting scolded.

Stage 2: Instrumental Purpose Orientation

Decisions are based on personal gain or rewards.
→ Example: “I’ll help you if you help me.”

Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl Orientation

Right and wrong are based on pleasing others and gaining social approval.
→ Example: A teenager helps their friend to be seen as kind.

Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation

Right and wrong are based on obeying laws and maintaining order.
→ Example: A person does not steal because it’s illegal.

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation

Right and wrong are based on fairness, justice, and social agreements.
→ Example: Breaking an unfair law to fight for human rights.

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation

Right and wrong are based on deep moral reasoning and personal conscience.
→ Example: A person follows moral principles, even if they go against laws or societal norms.