CDP (Kohlberg's Theory - CTET & State TET MCQ

Kohlberg's theory of moral development is a theory that focuses on how children develop morality and moral reasoning. Kohlberg's theory suggests that moral development occurs in a series of six stages and that moral logic is primarily focused on seeking and maintaining justice.

Key Points

According to Kohlberg, there can be six stages of moral development in such a way that the development of a higher stage logically depends on the development of the preceding stage.

• At stage one the child acts according to the motive of punishment and obedience. At this stage, the child would say that it is wrong to disobey his or her parents because he or she would be punished for doing that.
•  At stage two (the instrumental-relativist orientation) satisfaction of needs is the criterion to determine whether a particular action is right or wrong.
• Stages three and four are described by  Kohlberg as stages of conventional morality or conventional role conformity.
• Stages five and six are based on self-accepted moral principles.

Hence, Kohlberg’s theory of development focuses on moral judgment.

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development has been influential in psychology, providing a framework for understanding how people evolve in their thinking about right and wrong across different stages of their lives. While the theory offers significant insights into moral reasoning processes, it has also faced various critiques over the years. 

Key PointsKohlberg's theory has been particularly critiqued for not adequately addressing the role of gender in moral development.

• Carol Gilligan, a prominent critic of Kohlberg's theory, argued that it was biased towards a male perspective of morality. According to Gilligan, Kohlberg's framework emphasizes principles and justice, which she identified more closely with a masculine viewpoint of morality.
• Gilligan proposed an alternative that includes a care perspective, which she argued is more reflective of feminine approaches to moral reasoning.
• This care perspective emphasizes interpersonal relationships and the ethic of care as central to moral understanding, challenging Kohlberg's framework for potentially overlooking or undervaluing these aspects in moral development.
• While Kohlberg's theory touches on cognitive abilities by linking moral development stages to cognitive development levels, it does not outright neglect this aspect.
• Concerning age and cultural factors, Kohlberg’s study indeed initially based his stages on a longitudinal study of boys from Western cultures, which led to critiques on both fronts. However, the critique regarding the role of gender in moral development stands out due to its foundational challenge to the universality and fairness of Kohlberg's moral reasoning stages.

Hence, the critique of Kohlberg's theory for not adequately addressing the role of gender in moral development reflects a broader discussion in the psychological community about inclusivity and bias in theoretical frameworks. 

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development outlines how an individual's ability to reason about moral issues evolves through a series of stages, each characterized by distinct perspectives on right and wrong.

Key Points

Social Contract and Individual Rights: During this stage, which is part of Kohlberg's post-conventional level of moral reasoning, individuals become aware that people hold a variety of values and opinions, which may lead to different but equally valid solutions to moral dilemmas.

• At this stage, individuals recognize the importance of societal rules but understand that these rules are not absolute and can be changed if they do not serve the collective good.
• They begin to value legal contracts, democracy, and individual rights, emphasizing that laws and rules should maximize social welfare—even if it means reconsidering or altering them.
• This stage marks a significant development in moral reasoning, showcasing an understanding that moral decisions may depend on complex societal contexts and individual circumstances.

Hence the recognition of the conditional nature of moral decision-making and the acceptance that there is not always one definitive answer to complex moral dilemmas are hallmarks of the "Social Contract and Individual Rights" stage in Kohlberg's theory of moral development. 

Kohlberg's theory proposes that there are three levels of moral development, with each level split into two stages. Kohlberg suggested that people move through these stages in a fixed order and that moral understanding is linked to cognitive development. The three levels of moral reasoning include pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.

Key Points

• Kohlberg emphasizes the importance of moral reasoning and understanding, and discussing moral issues in the class provides students with opportunities to engage in moral dialogue, consider different perspectives, and develop their moral reasoning abilities.
• Discussing moral issues fosters a learning environment that encourages students to think critically about ethical dilemmas and to internalize moral principles through reasoned discourse.
• This approach aligns with Kohlberg's view that moral development involves moving through stages of increasingly complex moral reasoning.

Thus, according to Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory, a teacher should discuss moral issues to inculcate moral value in children.

Kohlberg's theory of moral development posits that individuals progress through distinct stages of moral reasoning, with each stage representing different levels of ethical understanding and decision-making capabilities.

Key Points

• The assertion (A) claims that Kohlberg's theory suggests moral reasoning capabilities peak at the "social contract and individual rights" stage. However, this is a misunderstanding of Kohlberg's framework. Kohlberg outlined six stages of moral development, divided into three levels. The "social contract and individual rights" corresponds to Stage 5, considered a part of Kohlberg's post-conventional level of moral reasoning. This stage indeed involves considering societal welfare, individual rights, and the motives behind laws beyond mere obedience or personal gains.
• Reasoning (R) notes that the "social contract and individual rights" represent more advanced moral reasoning based on universal ethical principles. While this statement captures the essence that Stage 5 involves a deeper, principle-based understanding of morality that includes considerations of rights and societal contracts, it doesn't fully represent the peak of Kohlberg's stages.

Hint

Kohlberg proposed a stage beyond "social contract and individual rights," known as Stage 6: "Universal Ethical Principles," wherein decisions are made based on self-chosen ethical principles that are universal, such as justice, dignity, and equality. Therefore, while both A and R touch on aspects of the theory, their connection is misunderstood in asserting the peak of moral development.

Hence, the correct option is A is false, but R is true.

Lawrence Kohlberg, an American psychologist, has propounded the 'Theory of Moral Development. He has made a systematic study of moral development in his theory that is categorized into six culturally universal stages.

• Kohlberg adopts a cognitive theory of moral development and sets out to show that principles of moral judgment gradually develop as children grow older, but this development is highly dependent on environmental and social conditions.
• Kohlberg assumes that children have a morality that is distinct and different from adult morality.

Key Points

• At stage first, the physical consequences of an action determine whether the action is good or bad regardless of the human value or meaning of these consequences. Avoidance of punishment and deference to power are valued in their own right, not in terms of respect for the underlying moral order.
• At stage two, the right action consists of that which instrumentally satisfies one's own needs and occasionally the needs of others.
• At stage three, actions and judgments are primarily oriented towards seeking approval from others whereas stage four is marked by respect for authority and the given social order.
• Stage two is an orientation towards authority, fixed rules, and maintenance of social order. 
• Stages five and six are based on self-accepted moral prjnciples. These are the stage of moral maturity.
• At stage five, for example, one is considerate of the rights of others and tries to respect others rights as much as ones own and also tries to safeguard these rights of others. It is a kind of self-accepted morality.
• At stage six - the final stage, individuals act according to one's conscience or principles. Such principles entail universal values regarding the rights and feelings of others.

Hence, we can conclude that 'the principles of moral values are not entailed universal values regarding the rights and feelings of others' statement does not agree with Kohlberg's theory of moral development.

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development consists of three levels, each with two stages.

Key Points

The Conventional Level is the second level in Kohlberg's theory, and it includes stages 3 and 4. In this level, individuals' moral reasoning is based on societal norms, expectations, and social conformity.

1. Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships (Mutual Interpersonal Expectations, Relationships, and Interpersonal Conformity): At this stage, individuals seek to maintain positive relationships and gain approval from others. Moral decisions are based on the desire to be seen as a good person in the eyes of others and to conform to societal expectations.

2. Stage 4: Maintaining the Social Order (Social System and Conscience Maintenance): In this stage, individuals recognize the importance of maintaining social order and uphold societal rules and laws. A sense of duty, obligation, and adherence to established authority structures influences moral decisions.

The Conventional Level reflects a moral orientation that is more focused on societal norms and expectations rather than individual principles. Individuals at this level are concerned with meeting the expectations of others and maintaining social harmony.

Thus, it is concluded that according to Lawrence Kohlberg, at the Conventional level of morality stage of moral development people behave according to social norms.

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development outlines the evolution of moral reasoning across different stages.

Key Points

Kohlberg's theory consists of three main levels, each with two stages:

Pre-conventional Level:

• Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation: Decisions are made to avoid punishment.
• Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange: Decisions are based on what's in it for oneself.

Conventional Level:

• Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships: Actions are driven by social approval and being a "good" person.
• Stage 4: Maintaining the Social Order. Decisions are based on obeying laws and maintaining societal order.
   

Post-conventional Level:

• Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights: Laws are seen as malleable instruments that can be changed for the greater good.
• Stage 6: Universal Principles: Moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles, and laws can be disobeyed if they conflict with these principles.

The conventional level, therefore, focuses on the societal rules, laws, and expectations that guide behavior.

Hence, we can conclude that at the conventional level of Kohlberg's theory morality is judged in terms of laws and rules of society.

Moral development is a critical aspect of human psychology, indicating how individuals understand and apply principles of right and wrong throughout their lives. Lawrence Kohlberg developed a theory of moral development that outlines how individuals progress through different stages of moral reasoning. Tom's argument in the classroom debate provides a practical context for understanding Kohlberg's stages, especially as it relates to the importance of laws and societal order.

Key PointsTom's assertion emphasizes the importance of laws for the smooth functioning of society and the necessity for every citizen to obey these laws to prevent chaos. This perspective is a hallmark of Kohlberg's Stage 3: Maintaining the Social Order, which is part of the Conventional Level of moral development.

• In this stage, individuals recognize the significance of social rules and laws that maintain order and ensure the welfare of the community. The focus shifts from personal interests (prominent in the earlier stages) to the collective well-being and stability of society.
• Individuals at this stage believe that adhering to laws and regulations is vital not because they agree with each law but because they understand the chaos and harm that might ensue if these boundaries were disregarded. ]

Hence, Tom's argument during the classroom debate exemplifies the reasoning characteristic of Kohlberg's Stage 3: Maintaining the Social Order.

Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg's development theorist of the mid-twentieth century who is best known for his specific and detailed theory of children’s moral development. With the development of cognition and social skills, the children able to develop the dimensions of moral values and reasoning. Moral values help the children to understand the rule and laws of society where they live. They adjust themselves as per the need of the physical environment. 

Kohlberg studied moral reasoning & development with much of his work based on that of Jean Piaget and John Dewey. He created the three-stage moral development theory by posing moral dilemmas to groups of children as well as adolescents and adults. Kohlberg's dilemmas revolve around a person named Heinz. He is in a dilemma to choose between stealing medicine or letting his wife die.

Preconventional Level (up to 10 yr. old)

Stage-1 Punishment-obedience orientation

• In this stage, the child avoids punishment and knows about the consequence of getting punished.
• The child only obeys the rule if some big authority (parents and teachers) is around them and tell them to do so

Stage-2 Instrumental-exchange orientation

• Children obeying the rules should bring some sort of benefit of return. 
• In this stage, the child shows reciprocal behaviour. They will do things if they get some benefit from doing so.
• Conventional level (Adolescents and teenagers): The right action is one that would be carried but by someone whose behaviour is likely to impress others.

Stage-3 Good-boy-nice-girl orientation

• Children do the right things to remain in the good books of their parents and teacher.
• In this stage, children are concerned about being accepted by others and living up to their expectations.

Stage-4 System-maintaining orientation

• At this stage, adolescents and teenagers obey the rules and laws of the society in which they live.
• Children and teenagers feel compelled to do their duty and show respect for authority.
• Post conventional Level (Adulthood)

Stage-5 Social-contract situation

• In this stage, the social rules and laws get in conflict with moral principles.
  They agree to obey laws and social rules of conduct that promote respect and acknowledges their moral values.

Stage-6 Universal-ethical-principles orientation

• They obey laws and social rules that fall in line with these universal principles.

Hence, we conclude that Kohlberg focuses on cognitive development in his theory of morality and elaborates the Piaget's work.