Moral development is the process by which individuals learn to distinguish right from wrong, influenced by societal norms, culture, and personal experiences. Lawrence Kohlberg's theory outlines six stages of moral reasoning, evolving from childhood into adulthood. Critiques of this theory, such as Carol Gilligan's ethic of care, and the role of intuition in moral judgments, suggest a more complex understanding of moral development.
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Moral development is the gradual process through which individuals acquire the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, forming a set of beliefs that influence their decisions and actions throughout life
Societal Norms
Societal norms play a role in shaping an individual's moral development
Cultural Influences
Cultural influences also play a significant role in an individual's moral development
Personal Experiences
Personal experiences can have a profound impact on an individual's moral development
Morals are distinct from religious doctrines and ethical theories, although they may be influenced by them
Kohlberg's theory of moral development proposes a sequence of six stages of moral reasoning that individuals potentially progress through as they mature
Pre-conventional Level
The pre-conventional level is where morality is externally controlled and individuals act to avoid punishment or obtain rewards
Conventional Level
The conventional level emerges in adolescence, where individuals conform to societal rules and seek approval from others
Post-conventional Level
The post-conventional level involves a recognition of universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning about justice and human rights
Kohlberg's theory has been criticized for its potential cultural bias and focus on justice to the exclusion of other moral values
Children raised in environments that model and encourage empathy and fairness are more likely to develop a strong sense of justice
Educational experiences can also play a role in shaping an individual's moral development
Cultural contexts can define what behaviors are considered moral or immoral, with some cultures emphasizing community welfare over individual rights
Religious and spiritual beliefs often provide a framework for moral reasoning, delineating behaviors that are considered virtuous or sinful within a given tradition
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The principle of ______ promotes non-violence and may inspire ethical choices like ______ to reduce harm to creatures.
ahimsa
vegetarianism
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Kohlberg's stages of moral development
Sequence of six stages: 1) Obedience/Punishment, 2) Self-Interest, 3) Conformity/Interpersonal, 4) Authority/Law, 5) Social Contract, 6) Universal Ethical Principles.
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Kohlberg's levels of moral reasoning
Three levels: 1) Pre-conventional (self-centered reasoning), 2) Conventional (societal norms), 3) Post-conventional (abstract principles).
