Moral Development Flashcards
Lawrence Kohlberg
American psychologist that created the theory of moral development
Preconventional Morality
Earliest period of moral development that lasts till age 9
Children’s decisions are primarily shaped by the expectations of adults and consequences of breaking the rules
The two stages of preconventional morality are obedience and punishment and individualism and exchange
Obedience and Punishment
Stage 1 of Moral Development
Obeying the rules is important because it is a way to avoid punishment.
Heinz should not steal the drug because stealing is illegal, and he could be punished.
Individualism and Exhange
Stage 2 of Moral development
Actions are seen in terms of rewards rather than moral value. account for individual points of view and judge actions based on how they serve individual needs
Reciprocity is best displayed here
Heinz should not steal the drug because stealing is illegal, and he could be punished.
Reciprocity
process of exchanging things with other people to gain a mutual benefit
Conventional Morality
Second level of moral development
Characterized by acceptance of society’s conventions concerning right and wrong
Individual obeys rules and follows society’s norms even when there are no consequences for obedience and disobedience
Developing Good Interpersonal Relationships (Good boy attitude)
Stage 3 of moral development
Focuses on living up to social expectations and roles.
Focuses on conformity
Heinz should steal the drug because, as a good husband, he is expected to do whatever he can to save his wife.
Conformity
Act of changing your behaviors in order to fit in or go along with the people around you
Maintaining social order
Stage 4 of moral development
People begin to consider society as a whole when making judgements. The focus is on maintaining social order by following the rules, and respecting authority.
Short definition: Moral reasoning considers societal laws.
Heinz should not steal the drug because he must uphold the law and maintain societal order.
Postconventional morality
Level 3 of moral development where people develop understanding of abstract principles of morality
people decide based on what they think is right rather than just following the rules of society
Social Contract and Individual Rights
Stage 5 of moral development
Rules are seen as social agreements that can be changed when necessary.
Heinz should steal the drug because preserving human life is a more fundamental value than property rights.
Universal Principles
6th and last stage of moral development
Moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles and justice.
Heinz should consider non-violent civil disobedience or negotiation with the pharmacist. The decision reflects a conflict between property rights and the sanctity of human life.
Stages of Moral development
Obidence vs Punishment
Individualism vs exchange
Developing good interpersonal relationships
Maintaining social order
Social contract and indivudual rights
Universal principles
