Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development Study Notes

Introduction to Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

• Discussion of Kohlberg's stages of moral development

• Objective: Assessing individual moral reasoning based on personal responses to dilemmas

The Heinz Dilemma

• Description of the dilemma presented:

  • A woman is dying from cancer and needs a specific drug.

  • The druggist charges $2,000 for a small dose, which cost him $200 to make.

  • The woman's husband, Heinz, borrows $1,000 but cannot cover the full cost.

  • Heinz breaks into the store to steal the drug for his wife.

• Key question posed: Should Heinz have stolen the drug?

• Request for viewers to think critically about their reasoning and responses.

Kohlberg's Moral Stages of Development

• Based on Lawrence Kohlberg's research.

• Focus: The reasoning behind answers, not just the answers themselves.

• Structure: Three main stages, each with two levels, totaling six levels.

Preconventional Morality (Stage 1)

• Characteristic: Basic moral reasoning; primarily self-centered.

Level 1: Obedience and Punishment

• Behavior driven by avoiding punishment.

• Example response regarding the Heinz dilemma:

  • Response: "No, he shouldn't have stolen the drug because he might go to jail."

Level 2: Individual Interest

• Behavior driven by self-interest and rewards.

• Example response:

  • Response: "Yes, he should steal the drug to save his wife because that is in his best interest."

Conventional Morality (Stage 2)

• Characteristic: Involves conforming to social norms and expectations.

Level 3: Interpersonal Relationships

• Behavior driven by social approval.

• Example responses could vary:

  • Yes: "He should steal the drug, as letting his wife die is worse in the eyes of society."

  • No: "He shouldn’t steal because people view stealing as bad."

• Metaphor Example: Only washing hands in public restrooms to gain social approval.

Level 4: Authority

• Behavior driven by obeying authority and the law.

• Example response:

  • Response: "No, Heinz should not have stolen the drug because it is illegal and society’s norm is against theft."

Postconventional Morality (Stage 3)

• Characteristic: Recognizes abstract principles and values.

Level 5: Social Contract

• Behavior driven by balancing social order and individual rights.

• Example response:

  • Response: "In a social context, stealing is wrong, but we must consider the consequences of not saving a life."

Level 6: Universal Ethics

• Behavior driven by internal moral principles.

• Example response:

  • Response: "While stealing is wrong, the right to life outweighs property rights, leading to the justification of Heinz stealing the drug for his wife's survival."

Summary of Stages

• Total Stages and Levels:

  • Stage One: Preconventional (Levels 1 and 2)

  • Stage Two: Conventional (Levels 3 and 4)

  • Stage Three: Postconventional (Levels 5 and 6)

• Importance of individual reasoning within the context of moral dilemmas.

• Encouragement to reflect on personal moral development through the lens of the Heinz dilemma.