Recording-oohlberg 6 stage

Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

  • Kohlberg's theory suggests that moral reasoning develops through six stages across three levels: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.

Levels of Moral Development

Preconventional Level

  • Focus on direct consequences to oneself rather than societal norms.

    • Stage One: Obedience and Punishment

      • Finn's perspective: Wants to help Tom but refrains due to fear of punishment from the teacher.

      • Moral judgment based on avoidance of punishment: "How can I avoid punishment?"

    • Stage Two: Individualism and Exchange

      • Mary's perspective: Intervenes for self-interest, possibly aiding Tom for future assistance.

      • Moral reasoning revolves around personal gain: "What's in it for me?"

Conventional Level

  • Emphasis on maintaining social order and following societal rules.

    • Stage Three: Interpersonal Relationships

      • Betty wants to intervene to appear good in the eyes of her peers.

      • Driven by the desire to conform: She questions how others perceive her actions.

    • Stage Four: Maintaining Social Order

      • Fine's perspective: Steps in to enforce school rules to prevent chaos.

      • Considers it his duty to uphold the rules that keep society functioning: "How can I maintain law and order?"

Postconventional Level

  • Moral reasoning based on abstract principles and justice.

    • Stage Five: Social Contract

      • Jesse's perspective: Questions the fairness of rules, reflecting that they make sense only when they serve their intended purpose.

      • Considers if the rule benefits everyone: "Does a rule truly serve all members of the community?"

    • Stage Six: Universal Ethical Principles

      • The headmaster: Focuses on compassion and justice, emphasizing rules grounded in ethical considerations.

      • His guiding question revolves around broader ethical principles: "What are the abstract ethical principles that serve my understandings of justice?"

Conclusion of Levels

  • At the preconventional level, the motivations are fear and self-interest.

  • The conventional level is characterized by adherence to peer pressure and societal rules without questioning their fairness.

  • The postconventional level reflects a deeper understanding of morality that may conflict with societal rules, emphasizing compassion over strict adherence to rules.

The Heinz Dilemma

  • A moral dilemma posed by Kohlberg to explore moral reasoning.

  • Situation: Heinz's wife is dying, and he cannot afford the life-saving drug to save her.

  • Decision made by Heinz raises ethical questions:

    • Should he have stolen the drug?

    • How does love influence morality?

    • What if the person dying was not his wife but a stranger?

  • The dilemma encourages reflection on justification of actions under moral circumstances.