STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT

• Moral development


  The process by which people develop the distinction between right and wrong (morality) and engage in reasoning between the two (moral reasoning)
• Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development


  A theory that focuses on how children develop morality and moral reasoning
• Kohlberg's theory

  • Moral development occurs in a series of six stages
  • Moral logic is primarily focused on seeking and maintaining justice
• Preconventional morality


  The first level of moral development, lasts until approximately age 9
• Preconventional morality


  • Children don't have a personal code of morality
  • Moral decisions are shaped by the standards of adults and the consequences of following or breaking their rules
• Preconventional morality


  • If an action leads to punishment, it must be bad
  • If an action leads to a reward, it must be good
• Preconventional morality


  • Authority is outside the individual
  • Children often make moral decisions based on the physical consequences of actions
• Obedience and punishment


  The earliest stages of moral development, especially common in young children but also expressed by adults
• People at the obedience and punishment stage see rules as fixed and absolute</b>
• Obedience and punishment stage


  • The man should not steal the medication from the pharmacy as he may go to jail if he is caught
• Individualism and Exchange


  The second stage of preconventional morality, relies heavily on the exchange of favors
• Individualism and Exchange


  • He may think that it is right to take the drug, but the pharmacist would not
  • If a parent asks their child to complete a chore around the house, the child may ask what the benefit would be to them
• Conventional morality


  The second level of moral development, characterized by an acceptance of social rules concerning right and wrong
• Conventional morality


  • A social system that stresses the responsibilities of relationships as well as social order is seen as desirable
  • Moral decisions are influenced by social expectations and roles
• Conventional morality

  • The man should take the medicine from the pharmacy in order to be a good partner to his wife
• Maintaining Social Order


  The fourth stage of moral development, focused on maintaining social order in the community
• Maintaining the Social Order

  • The man should not steal the medicine because it is against the law
• Postconventional morality


  The third level of moral development, characterized by an individual's understanding of universal ethical principles
• Postconventional morality


  • Individual judgment is based on self-chosen principles
  • Moral reasoning is based on individual rights and justice
• Postconventional morality

  • The man should steal the medication for his wife because she is deathly ill and the laws do not take the circumstances into account
• Universal ethical principles orientation


  • The final stage of Kohlberg's theory, moral reasoning is based on personal values and an inner conscience
  • Answers to an inner conscience
• Universal ethical principles orientation

  • It is okay for the man to take the medication without paying as objects or property are not as valuable as his wife's life