Chapter 2 - Dimensions of moral development

Question 1

What is moral development?

Answer 1

Human growth in understanding what makes actions right or wrong in the complexity of ethical thinking

Moral development involves the evolution of ethical reasoning and moral behavior over time.

Question 2

What are Kohlberg’s stages of moral development?

Answer 2

1. Obedience/punishment
2. Instrument and relativity
3. Interpersonal concordance
4. Law and order
5. Social contract
6. Universal ethical principles

Kohlberg’s theory outlines a progression of moral reasoning from basic obedience to universal ethical principles.

Question 3

What characterizes the ‘Obedience/punishment’ stage?

Answer 3

What’s right is to obey authority figures and avoid punishment

This stage reflects a focus on direct consequences of actions.

Question 4

Define the ‘Instrument and relativity’ stage.

Answer 4

What’s right is whatever meets one’s own personal needs, using situations and other people to one’s own advantage

This stage emphasizes self-interest and pragmatic considerations.

Question 5

What does the ‘Interpersonal concordance’ stage involve?

Answer 5

What’s right is to act in ways that elicit social approval

This stage highlights the importance of social relationships and acceptance.

Question 6

What is the focus of the ‘Law and order’ stage?

Answer 6

What’s right is to obey laws and rules in order to maintain social order

This stage stresses adherence to societal rules for the greater good.

Question 7

What does the ‘Social contract’ stage emphasize?

Answer 7

To live consistently with the deepest principles and values of one’s society, culture, or subculture

This stage reflects a broader understanding of societal norms and collective ethics.

Question 8

Define the ‘Universal ethical principles’ stage.

Answer 8

To live consistently with self-chosen, universal moral principles

This stage represents an idealistic view of morality that transcends specific cultures.

Question 9

What are Gilligan’s steps in moral development?

Answer 9

1. Care for self
2. Care for others
3. Balance and integrate self-interest and interests of others

Gilligan’s approach focuses on the ethics of care and relational dynamics.

Question 10

What is ‘moral sensitivity’ according to James Rest?

Answer 10

The person must be aware of the ethical nature of the issue, question, or problem at hand

This component highlights the importance of recognizing moral issues.

Question 11

Define ‘moral judgment’.

Answer 11

The ability to make the right ethical decisions and choices

This involves evaluating situations and determining appropriate actions.

Question 12

What does ‘moral motivation’ entail?

Answer 12

Having the desire or intention to do what is right

This component emphasizes the internal drive to act ethically.

Question 13

What is meant by ‘moral character’?

Answer 13

Having the persistence, self-discipline, courage, and determination to do what people know they should do

This reflects the traits that enable individuals to act according to their moral beliefs.

Question 14

What is the moral domain in social domain theory?

Answer 14

People consider if something happening to them or others is just. How people decide to help or hurt others

This domain focuses on ethical considerations and justice.

Question 15

Define the societal domain.

Answer 15

People make choices based on what others around them want them to do

This domain reflects social influences on decision-making.

Question 16

What does the personal domain involve?

Answer 16

People make decisions based on their own personal set of standards

This domain relates to individual preferences and values in social interactions.