Kohlberg's Moral Stage Theory

Essay # 67382

Philosophy > Ethics
Psychology > Theory
Sociology > Theory

An analysis of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral stage development.

1,434 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

The writer explains that moral stage theory describes the cognitive and moral development of humans and that it consists of three main levels, each divided into two stages. The paper explains each of the six stages of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory. The paper discusses the objections from Duke University philosopher, Owen Flanagan, regarding the manner in which data is collected to support Kohlberg's theory. The paper explains that Flanagan's main argument against the theory is his disagreement with Kohlberg's conclusion that morality and moral development are unified in nature. In conclusion, the writer expresses Flanagan's opinion that in most cases humans do not use a single unified position when considering matters of morality, but that humans rely on a wide variety of reasoning tools to help negotiate moral dilemmas.

From the Paper:

"The Moral Stage Theory of social psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg describes the cognitive and moral development of humans as consisting of three main levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Within each level there are two distinct stages. According to Kohlberg's theory, the development of morality in humans is closely related to our cognitive development. This development begins with absolute self-interest, and progresses toward a final deontological stage in which rational individuals are compelled by reason to accept their duty to preserve the fundamental rights of others."