Kohlberg's Moral Dilemma

Kohlberg Challenging Studies

Holstein, 1976, subjects skipped stages and reverted, randomly, back to earlier stages = challenges universality.

Theme

Justice and Punishment

Kohlberg Supporting Studies

Snarey, 1985, studied 27 different cultural areas and confirmed stages = universal. Fodor, 1972, Atypical/delinquents operate at a lower level of moral development than non-delinquents = suggests support/correct.

Stages: Level 1 - Pre-Conventional 6-13yrs

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment - Motives to avoid punishment Stage 2: Pleasure and Reward (Instrumental- Relativist) - Behaviour to satisfy own needs/desires.

Stages: Level 2 - Conventional 13-16yrs

Stage 3: 'Good boy/nice girl' Orientation - Win approval/stereotyped good and bad behaviour. Stage 4: Law and Order - Rules shouldn't be broken.

Stages: Level 3 - Post-Conventional 16-20yrs

Stage 5: Wider Community/Legalistic - Needs of the community are greater than individual. Stage 6: Conscience/Ethical - Behaviour determined by own conscience.

Heinz Dilemma

Women near to death. Chemist has a type of Radium that might save her. Chemist charging 10x as much it did to make. Heinz borrowed as much as he could, and asked if could sell it cheaper, chemist refused. Heinz broke into shop and stole it, should he have?