why id koleberg use to access moral reasoning course hero

by Mrs. Ilene Wolf DVM 5 min read

What is moral reasoning according to Kohlberg?

According to Kohlberg, there are three basic parts of moral reasoning: Cognitive: thoughts about a topic or action. Affective: feelings about a topic or action. Behavioral: behaviors associated with a topic or action. Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning is a stage theory. People progress through the stages in order and no one can jump ahead.

Why is it important to study moral reasoning?

Researchers continue to explore how moral reasoning develops and changes through life as well as the universality of these stages. Understanding these stages offers helpful insights into the ways that both children and adults make moral choices and how moral thinking may influence decisions and behaviors.

What is the difference between Piaget and Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory?

Piaget described a two-stage process of moral development while Kohlberg's theory of moral development outlined six stages within three different levels. Kohlberg extended Piaget's theory, proposing that moral development is a continual process that occurs throughout the lifespan.

How many stages of moral development are there according to Kohlberg?

Kohlberg's theory suggests that moral development occurs in a series of six stages. The theory also suggests that moral logic is primarily focused on seeking and maintaining justice. What Is Moral Development? How do people develop morality?

Why is Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning important?

While Kohlberg's theory of moral development has been criticized, the theory played an important role in the emergence of the field of moral psychology. Researchers continue to explore how moral reasoning develops and changes through life as well as the universality of these stages.

Why did Kohlberg study moral development?

By studying the answers from children of different ages to these questions, Kohlberg hoped to discover how moral reasoning changed as people grew older.

What did Kohlberg based his theory on?

Kohlberg's stages of moral development were influenced by the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget's stage-based theory of development. Kohlberg expanded on Piaget's two stages, identifying six stages of moral development.

What did Kohlberg use as a basis of a person's moral development Why did he focus on this instead of their decisions?

He used the idea of moral dilemmas—stories that present conflicting ideas about two moral values—to teach 10 to 16 year-old boys about morality and values. The best known moral dilemma created by Kohlberg is the “Heinz” dilemma, which discusses the idea of obeying the law versus saving a life.

What is Kohlberg known for?

He was particularly well-known for his theory of moral development which he popularized through research studies conducted at Harvard's Center for Moral Education. His theory of moral development was dependent on the thinking of the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget and the American philosopher John Dewey.

What is the final stage of Kohlberg's moral reasoning?

Stage 6 (Universal Principles): Kohlberg’s final level of moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning. At this stage, people follow these internalized principles of justice, even if they conflict with laws and rules.

Which level of moral development did Kohlberg believe everyone progressed to?

Level 1. Preconventional Morality. Preconventional morality is the earliest period of moral development.

How many levels of moral development did Kohlberg have?

Kohlberg's theory is broken down into three primary levels. At each level of moral development, there are two stages. Similar to how Piaget believed that not all people reach the highest levels of cognitive development, Kohlberg believed not everyone progresses to the highest stages of moral development.

What are the stages of moral development?

At this level of moral development, people develop an understanding of abstract principles of morality. The two stages at this level are: 1 Stage 5 (Social Contract and Individual Rights ): The ideas of a social contract and individual rights cause people in the next stage to begin to account for the differing values, opinions, and beliefs of other people. 7 Rules of law are important for maintaining a society, but members of the society should agree upon these standards. 2 Stage 6 (Universal Principles): Kohlberg’s final level of moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning. At this stage, people follow these internalized principles of justice, even if they conflict with laws and rules.

What is the earliest period of moral development?

Preconventional morality is the earliest period of moral development. It lasts until around the age of 9. At this age, children's decisions are primarily shaped by the expectations of adults and the consequences for breaking the rules. There are two stages within this level:

What is reciprocity in the Heinz dilemma?

Reciprocity is possible at this point in moral development, but only if it serves one's own interests. Level 2. Conventional Morality.

What is Kohlberg's theory?

Kohlberg's theory played an important role in the development of moral psychology. While the theory has been highly influential, aspects of the theory have been critiqued for a number of reasons:

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