Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

I read an article on a study that Kohlberg performed. It was a test to see how children at different stages of their moral development would respond to a moral dilemma presented to them. The moral dilemma consisted of a woman who was sick with a form of cancer, and her husband wanted to help find a cure for her. There was a cure that a pharmacist developed, but it was too expensive for them to purchase. The pharmacist put a large mark-up on the product to make money, and refused to lower the price for the sick woman. The husband eventually broke into his shop, and stole the product for his wife. The way the children responded was different based on their age and the stage of moral development they presented. He found the following responses.

There were three levels of development that he observed.

Level one: Preconventional morality

level two: Conventional morality

Level three: Postconventional morality

Level one was broken down into several components. The first form of morality to develop was one where children see moral absolutes, and morals are set in stone. Rules must be followed to avoid punishment. It then adapts slowly to where the children can see the perspective of others, and follow the best course that suits the individual.

Level two was broken down where society is considered important, and one must follow rules that please others. Individuals choices should not hurt relationships.

Level three discussed morality where rules should be developed as a society, and what is best for all should be put into place. People then should follow these installed feelings of doing what is right and justified.

I found this study parallels to what we had discussed in class, about how children go through stages when morality is developed.