What are morals
A sense of right and wrong upon which behaviour is based
What are ethics
A set of moral principles or values
What is moral development
What we think is right and wrong or our ability to ponder and make decisions regarding right or wrong changes with time
What influences moral development
Family Role models Socialisation Peers Life experiences
What are some classic situations in moral development
Stealing drug or bread Milgram study Prisoners study Running Harvard square Dentists office
The research on moral development has allowed us to examine…
How we act and why
Guilt, conscience
Altruism, generosity
Cheating
What is the purpose of Kohlberg theory of moral development
Describe levels of moral reasoning and how it changes as we pass through life
What are some characteristics of Kohlbergs theory
- Six Stages
- Doesnt provide ages
- Generally assumes we get older as we move from one to the next
- Cannot jump stages
- Each new stage is more comprehensive
- Most people dont reach the last stage
Stage 1
Obedience and Punishment
- “Might makes Right”
- Egocentric deference to power
e. g. if you have more power than me then I am going to defer you to protect me
Stage 2
Selfish, naive actions to satisfy own needs
- Gratify yourself first
- Limited interest in the needs of others
What does selfish mean
Egocentric
What does Naive mean
Innocent
Ignorant
Havent had the experiences
Stage 3
Good boy Orientation
- Conform = do not rock the boat
- Win the approval of others
Social roles are more of a factor
Stage 4
Maintain social order/status quo
- Law and order important
- If one violates law then all might
- Do your duty
- Show respect for authority
- Follow tradition
Highest level for most
Stage 5
Avoid violating the will of others
- Consideration
- Recognition that we all have different opinions - they all count
- Compromise
Stage 6
Directed by principle based on logic not law
- Rules and laws should be changed for the greater good
- Laws only work when “just”
- If rules destructive - dont use them
- Follow law because it is right, not just follow it
