AP psych- Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Conventional

laws and rules are upheld to gain approval or keep order

Preconventional

moral reasoning is based on self-interest - external rewards and punishments

Postconventional

reasoning based on basic rights & personal ethical standards

LEVEL 1:

Preconventional Moral Reasoning

-Characterized by the desire to avoid punishment or gain reward

-Responses are self-interested

-Typically children under the age of 10

(level 1) Stage 1

Punishment & Obedience

-ex: Heinz shouldn't steal the drug because he'd go to jail if he got caught.

(level 1) Stage 2

Self-Interest

-whats in it for me

-is it "fair"

-ex: Heinz should steal the drug because the druggist is being greedy by charging so much.

LEVEL 2:

Conventional Moral Reasoning

-Primary concern is to fit in and play the role of a good citizen

-typical of most adults

(level 2) Stage 3

-An attempt to live up to the expectations of important others

-ex: Heinz should try to steal the drug because that's what a devoted husband would do.

(level 2) Stage 4

-Maintain social order, resist personal pleasure, respect the laws and authority

-ex: Heinz should not steal the drug because that would be against the law and he has duty to uphold the law.

LEVEL 3

Postconventional Moral Reasoning

-characterized by references to universal ethical principles that represent protecting the rights of all people

-judgement bases on right and wrong

-most adults do not reach this level.

(level 3) Stage 5

Social Contract/

Legal Principles

-must protect the basic rights of all people by up holding the legal principles of fairness, justice, equality, and democracy

-ex: Heinz should steal the drug because his obligation to save his wife's life must take precedence over his obligation to respect the druggist's property rights.

(level 3) Stage 6

Universal Moral Principle

-self chosen ethical principles

-ex: Heinz should steal the drug even if the person was a stranger and not his wife. He must follow his conscience and not let the druggist's desire for money outweigh the value of a human life.

Criticisms of Kohlberg's theory

not support that the development of abstract thinking in adolescence invariably leads people to the formation of idealistic moral principles

-western emphasis on individual rights, not in every culture

-Research conducted with males only

Carol Gilligan's Model

model of women's moral development is based on an ethic of care and responsibility.