Module 9 Flashcards
American psychologist and educator known for his theory of moral development.
Lawrence Kohlberg
a comprehensive stage theory of moral development based on Jean Piaget’s theory of moral judgment for children
Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral development
Kohlberg based his theory on a series of moral dilemmas presented to his study subjects.
The Heinz Dilemma
3 Levels of Moral Development
Level 1: Preconventional level
Level 2: Conventional level
Level 3: Post Conventional level
Six stages of moral development
Stage 1: Punishment/obedience orientation
Stage 2: Instrumental purpose orientation
Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl orientation
Stage 4: Law and order orientation
Stage 5: Social contract orientation
Stage 6: Universal ethical principle orientation
Behaviour is determined by consequences. The individual will obey in order to avoid punishment.
Punishment/obedience orientation
Behaviour is determined again by consequences. The individual focuses on receiving rewards or satisfying personal needs.
Instrumental purpose orientation
Behaviour is determined by social approval. The individual wants to maintain or win the affection and approval of others by being a “good person.”
Good Boy/Nice Girl orientation
Social rules and laws determine behaviour. The individual now takes into consideration a larger perspective, that of societal laws. Moral decision making becomes more than consideration of close ties to others. The individual believes that rules and laws maintain social order that is worth preserving.
Law and order orientation
Individual rights determine behaviour. The individual views laws and rules as flexible tools for improving human purposes. When laws are not consistent with individual rights and the interests of the majority, they do not bring about good for people and alternatives should be considered.
Social contract orientation
According to Kohlberg, this is the highest stage of functioning.
Universal ethical principle orientation
At this stage, the appropriate action is determined by one’s self-chosen ethical principles of conscience. These principles are abstract and universal in application.
Universal ethical principle orientation
