LAWRENCE KOHLBERG

Lawrence Kohlberg

An American psychologist known for his theory of stages of moral development.

Stages of Moral Development

A theory proposed by Kohlberg that outlines the progression of moral reasoning in six stages across three levels.

Heinz Dilemma

A moral dilemma presented by Kohlberg involving a husband who steals medicine for his dying wife.

Preconventional Morality

The first level of Kohlberg's theory, focused on self-interest and punishment.

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment

Children view rules as absolute and obey to avoid punishment.

Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange

Children consider individual points of view and judge actions based on personal benefit.

Conventional Morality

The second level of moral development, where societal norms are emphasized.

Stage 3: Interpersonal Relationships

Emphasizes social approval and meeting societal expectations.

Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order

Focuses on order and adherence to laws for societal betterment.

Postconventional Morality

The third level in Kohlberg's theory, emphasizing universal ethical principles.

Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights

Recognizes different beliefs and the need for laws that respect individual rights.

Stage 6: Universal Principles

Guided by internal principles of justice; may contradict laws.

Carol Gilligan

A psychologist who criticized Kohlberg's theory for emphasizing justice over care.

Moral Dilemma

A situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two or more conflicting moral alternatives.

Social Approval

The influence of society on individual behavior, particularly in moral reasoning.

Ethical Reasoning

The process of determining what is right or wrong in a given situation.

Justice

The principle of moral rightness based on ethics, law, and fairness.

Hypothetical Scenarios

Imagined situations used in psychological research to study responses and reasoning.

Caring Principle

The idea that caring should be a fundamental aspect of moral decision-making, as argued by Gilligan.

Self-Interest

The consideration of one’s own advantage or benefit in decision-making.

Universal Ethical Principles Orientation

The stage in which moral decisions are based on abstract principles of justice and human dignity.