Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development (Moral Dilemmas)

Summary

This video explores Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, building on Piaget's work. Kohlberg identified three levels of moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, each with two stages. The pre-conventional level is based on consequences, the conventional level on societal norms, and the post-conventional level on universal principles. Kohlberg's stages range from obedience-driven actions to the pursuit of social justice and universal ethics. Notable figures like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr. exemplify the highest stages of moral development, driven by deep personal principles and responsibility for societal change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kohlberg expanded on Piaget's work and developed a theory of moral development that spans a longer and slower process than Piaget originally suggested.
• 😀 Kohlberg's theory of moral development is based on moral dilemmas rather than cognitive tasks, as used by Piaget.
• 😀 The theory is divided into three levels of moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.
• 😀 In the pre-conventional level, moral reasoning is based on the consequences of actions rather than the inherent goodness or badness of the actions themselves.
• 😀 Stage 1 of the pre-conventional level is driven by the fear of punishment, where individuals act to avoid punishment.
• 😀 Stage 2 involves mutual benefit, where individuals act based on what they can gain in return for their actions.
• 😀 The conventional level focuses on societal norms and the desire for approval from others.
• 😀 Stage 3 is driven by the desire for social approval, where individuals act according to what is expected to maintain a good reputation.
• 😀 Stage 4 centers on law and order, with individuals acting to uphold laws simply because they exist and to maintain societal order.
• 😀 The post-conventional level involves moral reasoning based on universal ethical principles, rather than laws or societal norms.
• 😀 Stage 5 introduces the concept of social contracts, where laws can be changed if they are unjust, emphasizing the common good and social justice.
• 😀 Stage 6 focuses on universal principles, where individuals act according to their personal conscience and ethical principles, regardless of the consequences to themselves, exemplified by figures like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr.

Q & A

Who influenced Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development?

Lawrence Kohlberg built on the work of Jean Piaget, adopting and expanding Piaget's ideas about cognitive development to create his theory of moral development.

What is the key difference between Piaget's and Kohlberg's theories of moral development?

Kohlberg's theory extended the ages covered by Piaget's work and found that the process of attaining moral maturity took longer and occurred slower than Piaget had originally thought.

What type of tasks did Piaget use to study cognitive development, and what did Kohlberg use to study moral development?

Piaget used specific tasks designed to study cognitive development, while Kohlberg used moral dilemmas to investigate moral reasoning and judgment.

What are the three main levels of Kohlberg's stages of moral development?

The three main levels are: 1) Pre-conventional, 2) Conventional, and 3) Post-conventional.

What characterizes the pre-conventional level of moral development?

At the pre-conventional level, moral reasoning is based on the consequences of an action, such as avoiding punishment or seeking personal benefit, rather than on the intrinsic morality of the act.

What is the main motivation behind moral reasoning at Stage 1 of Kohlberg's model?

In Stage 1, known as 'punishment or obedience,' individuals are motivated by the fear of punishment and act in ways that will avoid negative consequences.

What is the focus of Stage 2 in Kohlberg's moral development theory?

Stage 2, called 'mutual benefit,' is characterized by individuals acting based on the benefit they can receive in return, often following a 'you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours' mentality.

How does moral reasoning evolve in the conventional level of Kohlberg's theory?

In the conventional level, moral reasoning is based on societal norms and conventions. This includes the desire for social approval (Stage 3) and the adherence to law and order (Stage 4).

What distinguishes the post-conventional level of moral development?

At the post-conventional level, moral reasoning is guided by universal principles, where individuals not only recognize laws but also evaluate them based on broader ethical principles, such as justice and human welfare.

Who are examples of individuals who might embody Stage 6 of Kohlberg's moral development theory?

Stage 6 is associated with universal principles, and examples of individuals who embody this stage include figures like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr., who acted according to deeply held ethical standards, even when doing so led to personal sacrifice.