Freedom and Stages of Moral Development

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to freedom, free will, and Kohlberg's stages of moral development.

Freedom

Having the ability to act or change without constraint; the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

True Freedom

Doing what you ought to do, respecting and enhancing the freedom of others; the opportunity to do what is right.

Inherent Limitations of Freedom

A person's freedom ends where another man's freedom begins; use your own property in such a way that you do not injure other people's (sic utere tuo ut alienum non laedas).

Free Will

The ability to choose between different possible courses of action unimpeded; freedom to do what one ought.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

A theory that explains the moral development of children through a series of stages, using moral dilemmas to assess reasoning.

Pre-Conventional Morality

A level of moral reasoning where a child's sense of morality is externally controlled, accepting the rules of authority figures and focusing on external consequences.

Obedience-and-Punishment Orientation

Stage 1 of pre-conventional morality, focusing on obeying rules to avoid punishment; actions are perceived as morally wrong if the perpetrator is punished.

Instrumental Orientation

Stage 2 of pre-conventional morality, showing a 'what's in it for me?' position, where right behavior is defined by individual's best interest with limited concern for others.

Conventional Morality

A level of moral reasoning tied to personal and societal relationships, where children accept rules to ensure positive relationships and societal order.

Good Boy, Nice Girl Orientation

Stage 3 of conventional morality, where children seek approval from others and act to avoid disapproval, emphasizing good behavior and being 'nice'.

Law-and-Order Orientation

Stage 4 of conventional morality, where the child blindly accepts rules and conventions important for maintaining a functioning society, with an obligation to uphold laws.

Post-Conventional Morality

A level of moral reasoning defined by abstract principles and values, where individuals believe some laws are unjust and may disobey rules inconsistent with their own ethical principles.