Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Level 1: Preconventional- Morality is externally controlled; rules are conformed to avoid punishment or receive awards

Level 2: Conventional Morality: conformity to social rules remains important to an individual. However, the emphasis shifts from self-interest to relationships with other people and social systems. The individual strives to support rules set forth by parents, peers and government to win their approval or to maintain social order.

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation

Stage 2:Instrumental-Relativist Orientation

Stage 4: The "law and order" orientation/ Maintaining Social Order Orientation

Level 3: Post Conventional Morality- Individual judgement is based on self-chosen priciples and moral reasoning

Stage 5: The social-contract legalistic orientation

Stage 6: The universal ethical-principle orientation

Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

One does whatever satisfies their needs as long as they aren't punished.

Behavior is determined by consequences. An individual will obey in order to avoid punishment

The child knows the rules of society and does what is good to avoid guilt and to avoid breaking the law

One becomes aware that rules/laws might exist for the greater good

Individual is good in order to be seen as being a good person by others.

People at this stage develop their own set of moral guidelines which may or may not fit the law.

The Story of Heinz

Heinz's wife is dying from cancer and there is a new drug that can save her. However, Heinz doesn't have enough money to pay for it and tries to negotiate with the chemist to pay a cheaper price now and pay him back later. The chemist refuses to take up on his offer so Heinz broke into the chemist's lab and stole the drug.

Questions Asked:

  1. Should Heinz have stolen the drug?
  1. Would it change anything if Heinz did not love his wife?
  1. if the person dying was a stranger, would it change anything?
  1. Should the police charge the chemist for murder if the women died?