Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning Flashcards
moral reasoning
how an individual draws on their own value system to determine whether an action is right or wrong
K’s theory
- decisions and judgements can be summarised in stage theory of moral development
- theory developed by interviewing boys and men about their moral reasoning
explanation of ‘stages’
- higher stage, higher sophisticated the moral reasoning - more logically consistent and morally mature form of understanding
- progress by biological maturity and discussing/developing thinking
level one: preconventional morality
1) punishment orientation: reasoning based on whether it’ll lead to punishment
2) reward orientation: reasoning based on what’s to be gained
level 2: conventional morality
3) good boy/girl: reasoning based on what others expect
4) social order: reasoning based on doing duties as a citizen
level 3: post conventional morality
5) social contract and individual rights: based on what’s impartially right, democratic rules can be changed if they infringe on the rights of others
6) conscience orientation: based on one’s own ethical principles
links to criminal behaviour
- criminals at pre-conventional stage
- associated with less mature, child-like reasoning
- believe breaking law is justified if rewards outweigh costs or if punishment can be avoided
strengths of Kohlberg’s
Research support for criminals at level one
- 38% of 128 offenders didn’t think abt consequence of crime and 36% didn’t think they’d get caught
- shows pre-conventional, supports child-like reasoning
Useful applications
- K& Gilligan: societies w/ more prominent group thinking had more advanced moral reasoning
- led to developing cluster schools in schools + prisons 5t
limitations of Kohlberg’s
Reductionist
- moral principles only one factor, may be overridden by others e.g. financial gain
- cannot clearly establish cause, may be aware of moral principles but choose to ignore
