Describe and evaluate two theories of moral development.
I wonder if students read their texts anymore.
Here is a brief description, with many, many web links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_development
Two prominent theories of moral development are Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning and Gilligan's theory of the ethics of care.
1. Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Reasoning:
- According to Lawrence Kohlberg, moral development occurs in stages, progressing from lower levels of moral reasoning to higher levels.
- Kohlberg proposed six stages of moral reasoning arranged into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.
- In the pre-conventional level, individuals focus on obedience to authority and self-interest, with moral decisions guided by fear of punishment or desire for rewards.
- In the conventional level, individuals conform to social norms and seek approval from others, making moral decisions based on meeting societal expectations and maintaining social order.
- In the post-conventional level, individuals develop a personal code of ethics and are guided by abstract principles of justice, rights, and individual conscience.
- Kohlberg believed that the highest level of moral reasoning involved universal ethical principles that transcend societal norms and laws.
- Evaluation: Kohlberg's theory has been influential in understanding moral development, but it has been criticized for being culturally biased, as it focuses primarily on individualistic Western societies. Additionally, some argue that the theory places more emphasis on moral reasoning rather than actual moral behavior.
2. Gilligan's Theory of the Ethics of Care:
- Developed by Carol Gilligan, this theory emphasizes the importance of relationships, empathy, and interconnectedness in moral development.
- Gilligan argued that moral reasoning differs between genders, with women being more inclined towards an ethic of care, while men follow an ethic of justice.
- She suggested that women prioritize responsibilities towards others and consider the needs and perspectives of others in moral decision-making.
- Gilligan's theory challenges the traditional male-dominated perspective in moral psychology (as observed in Kohlberg's theory) and highlights the importance of relational ethics.
- Evaluation: Gilligan's theory has been praised for recognizing the ethical significance of care and relationships. However, critics argue that it risks perpetuating gender stereotypes by implying that women's moral development is superior. Additionally, the theory has also been criticized for not adequately considering cultural differences and for oversimplifying moral reasoning based on gender.
In evaluating these theories, it is important to acknowledge that moral development is a complex and multifaceted process influenced by a variety of factors such as culture, socialization, and individual experiences. While both theories have made significant contributions to our understanding of moral development, neither theory can fully capture the intricacies of moral reasoning and behavior in all contexts.