Stages of Moral Development PDF

Abagat CHAPTER THREE Stages of Moral Orias Development Colico Moral Development Moral development is the gradual development of an individuals concept of right or wrong – conscious, religious values, social attitudes and certain behaviour. Lawrence Kohlber...

Abagat CHAPTER THREE Stages of Moral Orias Development Colico Moral Development Moral development is the gradual development of an individuals concept of right or wrong – conscious, religious values, social attitudes and certain behaviour. Lawrence Kohlberg American psychologist known for his research on moral development. He proposed a stage theory of moral reasoning, suggesting that individuals progress through distinct stages in their moral thinking as they mature. He was a professor at Harvard University and the University of Chicago, where he conducted extensive studies on moral development in children and adolescents. Kohlberg's work was heavily influenced by the cognitive development theories of Jean Piaget and the philosophy (1927- of Immanuel Kant. 1987)  Kohlberg’s Theory Kohlberg's findings on moral development have contributed significantly to our understanding of how individuals navigate moral dilemmas, influencing discussions on moral philosophy and social psychology, and develop a sense of justice throughout their lives. Lawrence Kohlberg's findings on moral development are significant for several reasons: Understanding Moral Development Educational Implications Ethical Decision-Making Influence on Psychology Pre-Conventional Morality  Level 1: Pre-conventional Morality This level is typically observed in children and some adults, where moral reasoning is based on self-interest and external consequences rather than internalized ethical principles. 1st Stage: Obedience and Punishment Orientation. Individuals at this stage focus on avoiding punishment and obedience to authority figures. Moral decisions are based on fear of consequences and the desire to avoid punishment. Rules are seen as fixed and absolute, and actions are judged solely based on whether they lead to punishment or not. Children at this stage may obey rules to avoid getting into trouble or facing negative consequences. EXAMPLE EXAMPLE Anne who is a young child see a conflict at school a fight in schoolyard. A two six graders are beating up Michael. Anne is linked to a good or bad decision, EXAMPLE whether she will intervene the fight but she will also get punished or decides to call a teacher to avoid the consequences involved in breaking the school rules. “I decided to do it because morality is motivated solely by punishment.” 2nd Stage: Individualism and Exchange. In this stage, individuals start to consider their own interests and needs in moral decision-making. Moral reasoning is based on reciprocity and self-interest, where actions are judged based on how they serve individual needs. There is a focus on fairness and equal exchange, with individuals expecting to be rewarded for their actions. Children at this stage may engage in behaviors that benefit themselves or seek rewards for their actions. EXAMPLE “I decided to do it because she is EXAMPLE asking herself what's in it for me someday.” Kyle’s exam is just around the corner, but on the other hand, her game just announced that there will be a new content that will introduce her awaited EXAMPLE favorite character in-game. Kyle is thinking if she will divide her time on studying and gaming or just dedicate her all time studying in that way kyle is ensure she will do well and improve her performance and achieve better results in the long run. Conventional Morality  Level 2: Conventional Morality This level typically emerges during adolescence and is characterized by a focus on social norms, relationships, and maintaining social order. 3rd Stage: Individuals at this stage value social approval, Interpersonal maintaining relationships, and being perceived as a Relationships "good person" by others. Moral decisions are based on the desire to live up to “Good Girl” “Good Boy” social expectations and fulfill roles within relationships. There is an emphasis on empathy, consideration of others' perspectives, and the importance of intentions in moral judgments. Individuals begin to understand the impact of their actions on others and value harmonious relationships. 4th Stage: Maintaining Social Order. In this stage, individuals focus on upholding societal rules, laws, and institutions to maintain social order and stability. Moral reasoning is based on duty, respect for authority, and adherence to established norms and regulations. There is a belief in the importance of following rules, doing one's duty, and respecting authority figures. Individuals prioritize the needs of the majority and the stability of society over individual rights or preferences. EXAMPLE EXAMPLE Jillian decides not to drink and drive because she didn’t want her friends and family to think less of her EXAMPLE if they knew. She also didn’t want to violate any law because she knows it is wrong. Post-Conventional Morality principle Level 3: Post -Conventional Morality level marked by a growing realization that individuals are separate entities from society, and that the individual’s own perspective may take precedence over society’s law; individuals may disobey rules inconsistent with their own principles. 5th Stage: Social Contract and Individual Rights. Mutual respect for different opinions, rights, and values. Laws as social contracts should promote the general welfare and should be changed when necessary. Members of society should agree upon standards that are fair to all. Democracy is practiced through majority decisions, arguments, negotiations and compromise EXAMPLE EXAMPLE A Democratic government is theoretically based on stage five reasoning or It cannot be right that huge corporation sometimes pay no taxes; that law needs to be changed so EXAMPLE that the burden of taxes falls more equally on everyone shoulder. 6th Stage: Universal Ethical Principles. Acceptance of abstract, higher, noble and universal ethical principles and values like justice, human rights, equality, dignity, peace, unity, love or respect. Actions with the sense of good will, compassion, solidarity, and accountability. Individuals internalized these principles and act because it is morally right to do so and not for any other reasons. Aim at the inner improvement of both individual and society. Laws are valid if they are grounded on these principles and should be questioned if they are not.  EXAMPLE EXAMPLE Army officer drag their life into an extreme risk to save others. A police constable save 400 school children, A bomb was found in school at that time EXAMPLE there was no bomb disposal squad at hand so, He ran for 1km with 10 kg bomb in his arms to save the children present in school. “I do it because it is the right thing to do.” SOURCES Chapter Seven Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral..., www.polsci.tu.ac.th/lawrence.pdf. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024. “Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development: Education, Society, & the K-12 Learner.” CollegeSidekick, www.collegesidekick.com/study-guides/teachereducationx92x1/kohlbergs-stages-of-moral-development. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024. Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development, www.nwosu.edu/uploads//academics/social-sciences/bjcc/cbrp-training/moral- dev-1.pdf. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024. “Lawrence Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 13 Feb. 2024, www.britannica.com/science/Lawrence-Kohlbergs-stages-of-moral-development. Thank You! BYEEI!! Abagat Orias Colico