Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral

Development(Lawrence Kohlberg)

- child’s reasoning about morality, their attitudes toward moral lapses, and their behavior when faced with moral issues.

Moral Development

Kohlberg’s Stages

I. Pre-conventional LevelStage 1: Punishment/ObedienceStage 2: Mutual Benefit

II. Conventional LevelStage 3: Social ApprovalStage 4: Law and Order

III.Post-conventional LevelStage 5: Social ContractStage 6: Universal Principles

MORAL DILEMMARyan has been saving up money to buy a ticket for

this concert of rock band. His parents have discouraged him from going as the concert will surely be with a rowdy crowd. The band is notorious for having out-of-control audience who somehow manages to get drunk and stoned during the concert. Ryan agreed not to watch anymore. But a day before the concert, Nic, his brother, saw a corner of what appeared to be a concert ticket showing the pocket of Ryan’s bag.

Nic examined it and confirmed it was indeed a ticket. Looking at Ryan’s bag, Nic also found an extra shirt and 2 sticks of marijuana. So he figured Ryan will go on to the concert after all. That nigh, Ryan told his parents that he was spending tomorrow night at a classmate’s house for school requirement. Then, later that evening, he told Nic of his plan to go to the concert. Nic didn’t say anything, but he found it difficult to sleep that night, thinking whether to tell their parents of not.

I. Pre-conventional Level

• Stage 1 (Punishment/ Obedience)

- One is motivated by fear of punishment

• Stage 2 (Mutual Benefit)- The child conforms to gain

rewards.

• Yes, I will tell our parents because if they found out later that I knew, for sure they will get angry and most likely punish me.

• No, I will not tell because Ryan will make my life difficult and also punish me for telling.

• Yes, I will tell my parents because they will reward me for it. I will subtly ask for that new I pod that I’m wishing to have.

• No, I will not tell. Ryan will surely grant me a lot of favors for not telling. He’ll not also squeal on me.

II. Conventional Level

• Stage 3 ( Social Approval)- The person acts because

he/she values how he/she will appear to others.

• Yes, I will tell so my parents will think I am such an honest boy.

• No, I will not tell. Ryan will think of me as a really cool brother.

To be continued…

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