Contents Description of Theory Preconventional Conventional Postconventional Which Level Are You? (Heinz Dilemma) Practice Lesson Assessment

Morality is the system one uses to decide what is right and wrong; how one’s conscience affects choices. Lawrence Kohlberg, a psychologist, explored what motivates individuals to act the way they do. He then devised a theory about how people change their views of what’s right and wrong as they grow. Back to Contents Lawrence Kohlberg ( )

Stages of Moral Development He creates six stages of moral development divided into three levels.

Level 1: Preconventional What Is Good for Self Reward & Punishment Usually young children, Very selfish

Stage I: Reward/Punishment Acts to avoid pain or punishment Wants to not get spanked or get a “time out”

Stage II: Reciprocity Acts to get a reward Wants to get a hug or a piece of candy or back scratch Back to Contents

Level 2: Conventional What Is Good for Others Majority of adults; Conform to expectations and are usually loyal

Stage III: Conformity Acts to gain approval; conforms Wants to be a “good girl/boy”; wants others to see as nice

Stage IV: Law & Order Acts because of belief in the law and order Wants society to be orderly and understands duty/respect for authority Back to Contents

Level 3: Postconventional What Is Universally Good Minority of adults; Define moral values on own values (do not rely on authority’s definition)

Stage V: Principles of Justice Acts for the welfare of others Wants other people to be safe and happy; willing to change law if necessary

Stage VI: Morality of Christian Love/Agape Acts because of her/his own conscience/set of beliefs Wants all human beings to be respected for their dignity, believes in justice and equality; will disregard law if necessary Back to Contents

Which level are you? Read the Heinz dilemma to find out…

Heinz’ wife was near death. There was one drug on the planet that could save her, and it was only sold in Heinz’ hometown. The druggist who was selling it, however, was charging ten times what it cost to make the drug. Heinz couldn’t afford the drug. He tried borrowing money from his friends and family, and could only come up with half of the cost of the drug. He explained his problem to the druggist, but the druggist refused to sell him the drug for less money, and he also refused to let Heinz pay the second half later. Heinz decided that he had to steal the drug.

Should Heinz have stolen the drug? A. YES B. NO

Because… A. he would get in trouble from his family members for not getting help B. he can risk his life if he thinks he can get away with it C. no one will respect him if he lets her die D. it’s his duty to his wife, he should pay later and accept the law’s penalty E. the law wasn’t meant to violate life, the law should be reinterpreted if he is caught F. if he didn’t steal it, he’d be putting another value above that of life; respect for property should not be above the respect for life; there shouldn’t be private property; it is everyone’s duty to help the dying

Because… A. he would go to jail B. it’s more risk than it’s worth C. everyone will think he’s a criminal D. because even though his natural duty is to obey the law, it would create violence/crime if every store owner were charging excessive prices

You are… Stage I: Reward/Punishment Acts to avoid pain or punishment Wants to not get spanked or get a “time out” On to Practice

You are… Stage II: Reciprocity Acts to get a reward Wants to get a hug or a piece of candy or back scratch On to Practice

You are… Stage III: Conformity Acts to gain approval Conforms Wants to be a “good girl/boy” Wants others to see as nice On to Practice

You are… Stage IV:Law & Order Acts because of belief in the law and order Wants society to be orderly and understands duty/respect for authority On to Practice

You are… Stage V: Principles of Justice Acts for the welfare of others Wants other people to be safe and happy; willing to change law if necessary On to Practice

You are… Stage VI: Morality of Christian Love/Agape Acts because of her/his own conscience/set of beliefs Wants all human beings to be respected for their dignity, believes in justice and equality; will disregard law if necessary On to Practice

Practice Directions: Choose the correct level of moral reasoning for each example.

Example #1 If I make my neighbor a present and give it to her, she’ll be very happy. A.Stage 1: Reward/PunishmentStage 1: Reward/Punishment B.Stage 2: ReciprocityStage 2: Reciprocity C.Stage 3: ConformityStage 3: Conformity D.Stage 4: Law and OrderStage 4: Law and Order E.Stage 5: Principles of JusticeStage 5: Principles of Justice F.Stage 6: Morality of Christian Love/AgapeStage 6: Morality of Christian Love/Agape

Example #2 If I leave my bicycle in the middle of the front yard, I will be punished. A.Stage 1: Reward/PunishmentStage 1: Reward/Punishment B.Stage 2: ReciprocityStage 2: Reciprocity C.Stage 3: ConformityStage 3: Conformity D.Stage 4: Law and OrderStage 4: Law and Order E.Stage 5: Principles of JusticeStage 5: Principles of Justice F.Stage 6: Morality of Christian Love/AgapeStage 6: Morality of Christian Love/Agape

Example #3 In order to stay true to my personal code of morals, I need to protest the dictatorship of the government. A.Stage 1: Reward/PunishmentStage 1: Reward/Punishment B.Stage 2: ReciprocityStage 2: Reciprocity C.Stage 3: ConformityStage 3: Conformity D.Stage 4: Law and OrderStage 4: Law and Order E.Stage 5: Principles of JusticeStage 5: Principles of Justice F.Stage 6: Morality of Christian Love/AgapeStage 6: Morality of Christian Love/Agape

Example #4 If I obey the speed limit, the roads will be safer for everyone. A.Stage 1: Reward/PunishmentStage 1: Reward/Punishment B.Stage 2: ReciprocityStage 2: Reciprocity C.Stage 3: ConformityStage 3: Conformity D.Stage 4: Law and OrderStage 4: Law and Order E.Stage 5: Principles of JusticeStage 5: Principles of Justice F.Stage 6: Morality of Christian Love/AgapeStage 6: Morality of Christian Love/Agape

Example #5 If I want to protest a government policy or action, the Bill of Rights guarantees my freedom to do so. A.Stage 1: Reward/PunishmentStage 1: Reward/Punishment B.Stage 2: ReciprocityStage 2: Reciprocity C.Stage 3: ConformityStage 3: Conformity D.Stage 4: Law and OrderStage 4: Law and Order E.Stage 5: Principles of JusticeStage 5: Principles of Justice F.Stage 6: Morality of Christian Love/AgapeStage 6: Morality of Christian Love/Agape

Example #6 If I do the dishes for my father, he will take me to the baseball game. A.Stage 1: Reward/PunishmentStage 1: Reward/Punishment B.Stage 2: ReciprocityStage 2: Reciprocity C.Stage 3: ConformityStage 3: Conformity D.Stage 4: Law and OrderStage 4: Law and Order E.Stage 5: Principles of JusticeStage 5: Principles of Justice F.Stage 6: Morality of Christian Love/AgapeStage 6: Morality of Christian Love/Agape Back to Contents

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Lesson Assessment Click on the link below. Type answers, print, and hand in. It's a Dilemma.doc Back to Contents