Questions and Answers
What is Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development?
Developing children progress through a predictable sequence of stages of moral reasoning (preconventional, conventional, postconventional) which parallels Piaget's stages of general cognitive development.
Which of the following are levels in Kohlberg's stages of moral development?
What characterizes Level 1: Preconventional Morality?
Moral judgments are based solely on consideration of the anticipated consequences of behavior, with a concern for punishment in the first stage and motivation by reward in the second stage.
What defines Level 2: Conventional Morality?
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What is characteristic of Level 3: Post-conventional Morality?
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In the preconventional level, why should one not steal the drug to save a spouse?
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What should drive moral decisions at the postconventional level?
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All individuals who reach identity achievement have necessarily reached postconventional moral reasoning.
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What do Erikson and Kohlberg have in common?
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Study Notes
Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development
- A theory proposing that children evolve through a set series of stages of moral reasoning: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.
- Reflects parallels with Piaget's cognitive development stages.
Stages of Moral Development
- Divided into three primary levels: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.
Level 1: Preconventional Morality
- Moral judgments are based on anticipated consequences of actions.
- Stage one focuses on avoiding punishment.
- Stage two emphasizes the pursuit of rewards.
Level 2: Conventional Morality
- Involves consideration of social judgments and societal norms.
- Stage three revolves around avoiding disapproval from others.
- Stage four is marked by adherence to laws and rules, prioritizing legal obligations over moral considerations.
Level 3: Post-conventional Morality
- Represents a transition to universal ethical principles and complex moral reasoning.
- Stage five involves recognizing the social contract that promotes overall societal well-being.
- Stage six embodies a commitment to universal ethical principles, where individual beliefs about right and wrong transcend societal pressures.
Example of Moral Reasoning
- Preconventional level reasoning related to stealing medication:
- Avoid stealing due to fear of arrest; steal out of fear for the spouse's loss.
- Conventional level reasoning:
- Refrain from stealing as it is against the law; contemplate stealing based on social judgment for inaction.
- Postconventional level reasoning:
- Do not steal due to the inherent wrongness of theft; consider stealing as a moral obligation to save a life.
Post-conventional Morality and Identity Development
- Individuals at the postconventional level often possess a well-established identity.
- Achieving a strong identity does not automatically correlate with reaching postconventional moral reasoning.
Common Ground Between Erikson and Kohlberg
- Both theories emphasize adolescence as a critical phase for significant identity growth and corresponding moral development.
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Description
Test your understanding of Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development. This quiz covers the stages of moral reasoning, including preconventional, conventional, and postconventional levels. Learn how these stages parallel Piaget's cognitive development theory.
