Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

  • Submitted By: JPfeffer
  • Date Submitted: 05/16/2013 11:46 PM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 2662
  • Page: 11
  • Views: 1

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Reasoning

Contemporary research on moral reasoning during the late 20th century and early 21st century is heavily influenced by the theories of Lawrence Kohlberg (Cherry, 2012, ¶1; Crain, 1985; Peterson, 2010, p. 341). After studying under Piaget, he began a 20-year investigation which did agree with Piaget’s theories but he modified and expanded upon Piaget's work to form a theory that explained that the development of moral reasoning is a continual process that occurs throughout the lifespan (Barger, 2012, ¶2 - 3; Cherry, 2012, ¶1 - 2; Crain, n.d., ¶1; McLeod, 2011, ¶1; Peterson, 2010, p. 341). He explains:
Moral development may be defined in terms of the qualitative reorganization of the individual’s pattern of thought rather than the learning of new content. Each new reorganization integrates within a broader perspective the insights that were achieve at lower stages (Kohlberg, Gibbs, Lieberman & Colby, 1983, p. 1).
The theory holds that moral reasoning, (standards of right and wrong), the basis for ethical behaviour, (values which relate to justice, fairness and human welfare), has five identifiable developmental stages, each more adequate at responding to moral dilemmas than its predecessor (Barger, 2012, ¶3 – 6; Cherry, 2012, ¶2, 7 - 12; Crain, n.d., ¶13 - 35; Kohlberg, 1976, p. 630 – 646; McLeod, 2011, ¶6 - 14; Peterson, 2010, p. 341 - 344). Each stage provides a new and necessary perspective, more comprehensive and differentiated than its predecessors but integrated with them (Kohlberg et al., 1983; McLeod, 2011, ¶4 – 5, Oswalt, 2012, ¶3). The advancement through each stage is the result of the increasing psychological competence as well as efficacy in balancing conflicting social-value claims (Wong, 2000a, ¶6 - 9). This essay Kohlberg’s concept of moral development as well as examine how the stages might influence a person’s growth and struggle. Through examining the six stages and the issues faced during childhood and...

Similar Essays