Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Reasoning Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the lowest level of reasoning according to Kohlberg's stages?

Preconventional (correct)

Social contract

Conventional

Postconventional

What does 'punishment and obedience orientation' describe?

Moral thinking often tied to punishment; children and adolescents obey adults because adults tell them to.

Describe 'individualism, instrumental purpose, and exchange'.

Individuals pursue their own interests but also let others do the same.

What defines the 'conventional' level of moral reasoning?

Individuals abide by standards of others, such as parents or laws of society. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'mutual interpersonal expectations, relationships, and interpersonal conformity'?

Value trust, caring, and loyalty to others as the basis of moral judgments. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'social systems morality' assess?

Moral judgments based on understanding the social order, law, justice, and duty. Signup and view all the answers

At what level is morality considered more internal?

Postconventional. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'social contract or utility and individual rights' refer to?

Values, rights, and principles that underlie the law. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'universal ethical principles'?

A moral standard based on universal human rights. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Reasoning

Preconventional Level: This represents the lowest tier of moral reasoning, primarily focusing on direct consequences of actions.
Punishment and Obedience Orientation: Moral evaluations are heavily influenced by the fear of punishment; children comply with authority figures' demands simply to avoid consequences.
Individualism, Instrumental Purpose, and Exchange: This stage involves recognizing individual interests while allowing others the same freedom; moral correctness is tied to reciprocal actions, where individuals act kindly expecting kindness in return.

Conventional Level

Adherence to Standards: Individuals in this stage accept societal rules and standards established by parents or laws, evaluating actions based on these external criteria.
Mutual Interpersonal Expectations, Relationships, and Interpersonal Conformity: Emphasizes the importance of trust, care, and loyalty; moral judgments in this stage are often based on the acceptance of parental moral values.
Social Systems Morality: This involves moral reasoning centered around the recognition of social structures, laws, duties, and justice, understanding moral actions as crucial for societal functioning.

Postconventional Level

Internal Morality: Morality becomes more internally driven, focusing on personal principles rather than external expectations.
Social Contract or Utility and Individual Rights: This stage involves evaluating laws and societal systems based on their alignment with fundamental human rights and values, promoting the idea that laws should protect these rights.
Universal Ethical Principles: Individuals establish a personal moral code grounded in universal human rights; decisions may go against societal norms if they uphold personal ethical beliefs, even risking personal consequences.

Description

Explore Kohlberg's levels of moral reasoning through these informative flashcards. Each card defines key concepts such as preconventional, conventional, and postconventional stages, enhancing your understanding of ethical development. Perfect for psychology students and anyone interested in moral philosophy.