Theory of moral development

Kohlberg’s theory of moral development

a theory that focuses on how children develop morality and moral reasoning

morality

is behaving in conformity to ideals of right human conduct

Moral Reasoning

applies critical analysis to specific event to determine what is right and what is wrong, and what people ought to do in a particular situation

Moral Dillema

exists when available choices and obligations do not allow for moral outcomes.No matter what choice you make in these situations, you always end up compromising some moral value.

1. Punishment and Obedience orientation. Obey the rule to avoid Punishment

2. Naive Hedonism. Conforms to get rewards and Favors returned

Level 1 Preconventional steps

3. Good boy/girl morality. Conforms to avoid disapproval and dislike by other

4. Conforms to avoid censure by Authorities

Level 2 Conventional steps

5. Conforms to maintain Communities. Emphasis on individual Rights

6. individual principle of conscience

Level 3 Postconventional steps

Preconventional Morality

• At this age, children's decisions are primarily shaped by the expectations of adults and the consequences for breaking the rules.

Preconventional Morality Step 1 (Obedience and punishment)

see rules as fixed and absolute. Obeying rules is important to avoid punishment

Preconventional Morality step 2 (Individualism and Exchange)

children account for individual points of view and judge actions based on how they serve individual needs. Reciprocity is possible at this point in moral development, but only if it serves one's own interests.

Level 2 Conventional Morality

The next period of moral development is marked by the acceptance of social rules regarding what is good and moral.

Level 2 conventional Morality stage 3(Developing Good interpersonal Relationship)

good boy/girl morality. this stage of the interpersonal relationship of moral development is focused on living up to social expectations and roles. There is an emphasis on conformity, being "nice," and consideration of how choices influence relationships

Level 2 Conventional MOrality Stage 4(mainting social order)

✓This stage is focused on ensuring that social order is maintained. At this stage of moral development, people begin to consider society as a whole when making judgments. The focus is on maintaining law and order by following the rules, doing one’s duty, and respecting authority

Level 3 Post- Conventional Morality

people develop an understanding of abstract pricniple of morality

Level 3 Post- Conventional Morality Stage 5(Social contract and individual Rights)

The ideas of a social contract and individual rights cause people in the next stage to begin to account for the differing values, opinions, and beliefs of other people.

Level 3 Post- Conventional Morality Stage 6 (Universal Principle)

Kohlberg’s final level of moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning. At this stage, people follow these internalized principles of justice, even if they conflict with laws and rules