Moral Psychology and Kohlberg's Ethics

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of moral ethics?

  • Justifying human actions (correct)
  • Explaining the causes of human actions
  • Analysing psychological theories
  • Studying moral dilemmas

What is the main goal of Kohlberg's study on moral consciousness?

  • To explore common moral dilemmas
  • To measure the emotional responses to moral situations
  • To understand the reasoning behind moral judgments (correct)
  • To determine the moral correctness of actions

Which of the following aspects of psychology does Kohlberg's study primarily rely on?

  • Cognitive development
  • Emotion and perception
  • Behavioral conditioning
  • Logical reasoning (correct)

How much money does Heinz initially have to pay for the drug?

<p>$1,000 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would occur in the Heinz Dilemma if the person dying was a stranger?

<p>Heinz's reasoning would change. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action does Heinz take when the druggist refuses his plea?

<p>He breaks into the store to steal the drug. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the value of the drug production cost according to the dilemma?

<p>$1,000 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In philosophical terms, what does the term 'psyche' refer to?

<p>Soul/Mind (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Kohlberg's theory of moral development?

<p>Conformity to rules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the pre-conventional level of moral development, how do individuals primarily judge actions?

<p>Based on consequences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage focuses on maximizing rewards and minimizing punishments?

<p>Stage 1: Reward and Punishment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the pre-conventional level from the conventional level?

<p>Value placed on rules independent of outcomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the transition between the stages of moral development?

<p>Progressing from obeying rules to questioning them (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage would consider stealing a life-saving drug wrong if it leads to punishment?

<p>Stage 1: Reward and Punishment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which stage do individuals begin to conform to societal norms?

<p>Conventional Stage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lawrence Kohlberg's theory primarily address?

<p>The stages of moral development and reasoning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best summarizes the purpose of moral psychology according to Kohlberg's theory?

<p>To understand differences in moral judgments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element of self-reflection in moral judgment, as noted in the content?

<p>Assessing oneself for personal improvement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does moral development progress according to Kohlberg?

<p>Through stages that reflect maturity and reasoning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome of understanding the stages of moral development?

<p>It clarifies moral issues by recognizing thought evolution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which goal is not part of the objectives related to Kohlberg's theory?

<p>To establish a universal moral code (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that understanding moral reasoning can improve moral judgment?

<p>Awareness of personal biases and influences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between Stage 3 and Stage 4 of moral reasoning?

<p>Stage 3 is more rigid in following rules than Stage 4. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Kohlberg's theory suggests that our understanding of right and wrong is influenced by what?

<p>The stage of moral development one is in (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In post-conventional morality, what is emphasized by Stage 6 decisions?

<p>Universal principles that guide actions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the essence of Kohlberg's view on moral evolution?

<p>It is influenced by both age and experience (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects Stage 5 moral reasoning?

<p>It evaluates rules based on their benefits to society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does understanding moral psychology contribute to ethical discussions?

<p>It encourages understanding diverse moral reasoning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What generally characterizes the pre-conventional level of moral reasoning?

<p>Decisions that primarily serve self-interest. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Heinz dilemma, what principle underlies the argument that human life is more valuable than property?

<p>A universal principle prioritizes life over material possessions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the conventional moral reasoning stage?

<p>Value placed on community rules and relationships. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During Stage 1 of moral reasoning, decisions are primarily based on which of the following?

<p>Personal satisfaction and avoidance of punishment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about moral reasoning stages is accurate?

<p>Post-conventional reasoning can contradict societal norms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Stage 4 moral reasoning allow that Stage 3 does not?

<p>Flexibility in changing rules to serve society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of moral reasoning is not a characteristic of the pre-conventional stage?

<p>Considering consequences for others. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Stage 2 in moral development?

<p>Considering others' perspectives (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Stage 3 of moral development, individuals are primarily influenced by which factor?

<p>Socially accepted norms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of moral development considers laws and maintaining societal order as crucial?

<p>Stage 4 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might children in Stage 2 justify stealing in the Heinz dilemma?

<p>They evaluate the potential benefits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in Stage 4 that influences moral decisions?

<p>Need to maintain social order (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of peer pressure in the moral development stages?

<p>It impacts decisions primarily in Stage 3. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which stage might an individual view saving a life as a moral obligation?

<p>Stage 3 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reasoning is emphasized at the Conventional Level of moral development?

<p>Social norms and acceptance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration in Stage 2 of moral development?

<p>Individual self-interest (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might a child aged 7-11 prioritize in their moral reasoning according to Stage 2?

<p>Mutually beneficial actions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Moral Psychology and Ethics

  • Moral psychology focuses on explaining the causes behind human actions, while ethics justifies them.
  • Lawrence Kohlberg's theory states that moral development occurs in stages.

Kohlberg's Study of Moral Consciousness

  • Kohlberg conducted a longitudinal study of 72 boys, aged 10-16.
  • He presented them with moral dilemmas, such as the Heinz Dilemma.

The Heinz Dilemma

  • A dying woman needs a costly drug to save her life.
  • Her husband, Heinz, cannot afford it.
  • He must choose between stealing the drug or letting his wife die.

Kohlberg's Research Questions

  • Should Heinz steal the drug?
  • Would it change anything if Heinz didn't love his wife?
  • Would it change anything if the person dying was a stranger?
  • Should the police arrest the chemist for murder if the woman dies?

Kohlberg's Focus on Moral Reasoning

  • Kohlberg's focus was not on the right or wrong of the actions, but on the individual's reasoning behind their judgment.

Six Stages of Moral Development

  • Kohlberg's six stages of moral development are not explained in this text.

Moral Development Stages

  • Understanding the influences on one's beliefs and actions is critical for ethical decision-making.

Stage 2: Before Making a Decision

  • At this stage, individuals consider others' perspectives and act in mutually beneficial ways.
  • They are sensitive to the consequences of their actions.
  • They may see Heinz's love for his wife as a justification for stealing the drug to save her life.
  • They may also prioritize avoiding punishment.

The Conventional Level

  • At this level, individuals focus on socially accepted norms and become less self-centered.
  • Stage 3 involves conforming to social norms to gain approval from significant others.
  • The document highlights cultural variations in standards; family ties are more important in some cultures than others.
  • Stage 4 involves adhering to social norms to maintain order.

Stage 6

  • Decisions are based on universal principles, not just societal norms.
  • Principles are followed even if they contradict societal norms.

The Heinz Dilemma: Stage 6

  • Human life is more valuable than property.
  • Stealing is wrong, even in extreme circumstances.

Summary of Moral Reasoning Stages

  • Pre-conventional stage (Stages 1 & 2) - Focus solely on self-interest.
  • Conventional stage (Stages 3 & 4) - Consider others and societal rules.
  • Post-conventional stage (Stages 5 & 6) - Take a broader perspective on actions and universal principles.

Key Differences between Stages

  • Stages 1 & 2 (pre-conventional) - Focus solely on self-interest and avoid considering rules.
  • Stages 3 & 4 (conventional) - Consider other people and societal rules, but Stage 3 tends to follow rules blindly for social acceptance while Stage 4 is more flexible.
  • Stages 5 & 6 (post-conventional) - Take broader perspectives on actions and universal principles.

Conventional Thinking

  • Conventional thinking and acting are not inherently right or wrong.
  • Challenges arise in diverse societies with varied cultural norms.
  • What one group considers acceptable, another may not.

Kohlberg's Perspective on Conventional Thinking

  • Most adolescents operate at this level.
  • Peer pressure can influence behavior.
  • Young people are often still discovering their own values and beliefs.

Heinz Dilemma: Conventional View

  • Laws are designed to maintain social order.
  • Tolerating theft could be abused and undermine the right to property.
  • Stealing is unjustified in this case.

Post-Conventional Level

  • Individuals transcend societal norms.
  • Actions are driven by values and principles.

Stage 5: Social Contract

  • Rules and laws serve a purpose beyond their own existence.
  • They are meant to protect individual rights and aid collective interests.
  • Laws can be challenged and altered based on changing social contexts.

Heinz Dilemma: Stage 5

  • Laws should accommodate exceptions, such as when human life takes priority over property.
  • Unrestrained profiteering is unjust and harmful to society.
  • Government intervention is necessary to find a balance.

The Pre-Conventional Level

  • Individuals judge actions based on their consequences.
  • Rules are only important if they predict or assist in achieving desirable outcomes.

Stage 1: Reward and Punishment

  • Individuals maximize rewards and minimize punishments.

Heinz Dilemma: Stage 1

  • If stealing doesn't get Heinz punished, it is right.
  • If stealing leads to punishment, it is wrong.

Chapter 4 Theory of Stages of Moral Development

  • Moral development is a gradual process involving three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, each with two stages.
  • Kohlberg's theory focuses on conformity to rules.
  • The conventional stage is the middle ground between the self-centered pre-conventional stage and the reflective post-conventional stage.

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