Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development outlines how individuals progress through stages of ethical reasoning, from pre-conventional to post-conventional levels. It includes the Heinz dilemma to assess moral judgment and has educational applications for promoting moral growth. Critics highlight potential biases and overemphasis on justice.
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Kohlberg's theory proposes that moral development evolves through a series of stages throughout an individual's life
Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Components
Moral reasoning involves the capacity to differentiate right from wrong and encompasses cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components
Kohlberg's theory outlines a stage theory in which individuals move through a predetermined sequence of stages, each characterized by a distinct pattern of moral reasoning
The pre-conventional level is characterized by external control and includes two sub-stages: obedience to avoid punishment and recognition of different interests
The conventional level is characterized by an acceptance of societal conventions and includes two sub-stages: seeking approval and obeying rules for social order
The post-conventional level involves thinking in a principled way and includes two sub-stages: viewing laws as social contracts and adopting universal ethical principles
Kohlberg's theory offers educators a framework for understanding the moral reasoning of students
Educators can use moral dilemmas and encourage consideration of different perspectives to promote moral growth in students
Kohlberg's theory has been criticized for overemphasizing justice, potential cultural bias, and the hypothetical nature of its research