Module 6: Kohlberg's Moral Development Flashcards
What are the levels of morality in Kohlberg’s Moral Development?
Level 1: Preconventional Morality
Level 2: Conventional Morality (Morality of
Conventional Role Conformity)
Level 3: Postconventional Morality (Morality of Autonomous Moral Principles) (14-older yrs old)
What are the stages of morality in Kohlberg’s Moral Development?
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationship
Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order
Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights
Stage 6: Universal Principles
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment
The child/individual is good to AVOID PUNISHMENT because punishment equates, they must have done something wrong
“What will happen to me if I do this?”
Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
Children recognize that there is not just one right view that is handed down by authorities. They conform to rules out of self-interest and consideration what others can do for them.
“You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.”
Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationship
The child is good in order to be seen as a good person by others. Approval of others is important.
e.g., Donating to the victims of the recent typhoon and posting it on social media so everyone knows they did something good.
Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order
The child becomes aware of the rules of the society, so judgement concern obeying the rules to uphold the law and avoid guilt. Law is law.
e.g., Crossing the pedestrian crossing or going on a full stop when the traffic light turned red.
Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights
Child becomes aware that while rules might exist for the betterment of everyone, there are times you have to bend the law for self-interests. Goodness of all.
e.g., Some lawyers study the law so in case they need it, they can find a loophole and they won’t be convicted. Some laws are unfair and unjust.
Stage 6: Universal Principles
People developed their own set of moral guidelines, which may or may not fit the law. The principles apply to everyone. They do what they think is right regardless of legal restrictions or opinion of others. Whatever other people would say.
e.g., LGBTQIA++ community are still being discriminated and just tolerated by the society, but certain someone thinks that they deserve better. Thus, they do everything to recognize the rights of the people of the minority.
Kohlberg’s Moral Development
Kohlberg placed too much emphasis on moral thought and not enough for moral behaviors
Cosmic Stage
people consider the effect of their actions not only on other people but on the universe as a whole
When a person is capable of moral reasoning, does it automatically mean they engage in it?
Just because a person is capable of moral reasoning does not necessarily mean the person actually engages in moral reasoning
Is Kohlberg’s System biased?
Yes. Kohlberg’s System is biased against non-western cultures.
What is the percentage/population of adults who reach Level III of morality?
Only 20% or 1/5 of adults reach Level III of Morality
Why is Kohlberg’s Moral Development viewed as sexist and biased?
Very sexist and biased against women (males tend to focus on logic and rules) according to Gilligan
Carol Gilligan
+ stated that women prioritize an “ethics of care” as their sense of morality evolves along with their sense of self
+ care and empathy
