Discussion Questions - Assignment Example

Stages of Moral development Introduction Moral philosophy took a new look after Lawrence Kohlberg’s further analysis into moral development. This was an advancement of Piaget stages of cognitive development. In his argument, it was evidently clear that both children and adults, through ethical behavior effectively progressed into moral reasoning step by step.The Kohlberg moral development has three levels with two stages at each level as discussed below.Level one: Pre-conventional morality At this level, mostly characterized by children of about nine years old, there is no trace of personal code of morality.

Instead, as kids, there is a high tendency to rey on standards set by adults. Through this, their moral codes are shaped through corrections, guidance and administration of punishment (Baxter & Rarick, 1987). This is because the authoritative force is on the outside of the individual and the only sensible basis of reasoning depends on physical consequences of every action.Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment: Might makes Right Punishment has a direct link to physical vengeance. Therefore, each punishment in regards to an action sets standards in understanding the wrong and good.

Therefore, the question is, what must an individual do in order to avoid punishment?Stage 2: Instrumental changes: The Egoist People, in these case kids, understand that every person has a unique way of viewing things and making judgments. They learn to only do the necessary and can only act further if the activities offer satisfaction. The question in the post can be, what can a person do to realize satisfaction and not pain?Level two: Conventional Morality It is evident in adolescent adults who show ability to internalize the set moral standards.

However, even though understanding authority, there is little questioning because they accept it as a norm (Kohlberg & Hersh, 1977).Stage 3: Interpersonal conformity Due to the established stereotypes, people accept and build their interpersonal skills on this basis. This gives rise to good behavior because it appears to be appealing to the rest of the group. As an individual, what is expected of you to be identified as a good person?Stage 4: Societal conformity: Good citizen Individuals learn to respect rules and order as demanded by the authority.

This is because they know anyone found guilty of violating rules is liable to punishment since it the standardized form of administering justice. This requires consistency in showing loyalty to rules. The question is; what if all human beings acted in such a manner?Level 3: Principled morality At this level, personal judgments are on the basis of self-chosen principles while moral reasoning depends on individual rights.Stage 5: Social contract: The Philosopher Moral action, in desperate situations rarely conforms to the set rules and thus requires logical rules.

What is the best action during desperate times?Stage 6: Universal ethical principles: The Prophet At this stage, individuals demonstrate the ability to define moral principles in their own way even if they have no allowance in the guiding rules. However, the moral principles favor and are applicable to everyone. What is justice for all? As an individual, am in this stage because I can, on my own come up with moral principles which respect human rights even if they do not favor the stipulated laws.

Example Tests, for a very long time has been a standard way of proving learning abilities in schools. In a final exam, students realize that their teacher has a marking scheme for a test they are yet to sit for. With the understanding that the subject is critical in determining their grades, they come up with a plan. A young, beautiful and seductive female student is tasked to get the marking scheme by luring the teacher into having sex in exchange for the paper. However, on arriving in his office, the student quickly locates the marking scheme on the table.

She seduces the teacher but makes sure they reach the table on which the paper is and quickly picks it and leaves the teacher in suspense unaware of the action. Should the teacher punish the students if he found out they stole the exam?ConclusionThe moral development theory is a true reflection of how people understand and adopt to nature and established rules. The six stages demonstrate the key intellectual understandings that people undergo in learning from the very early stages of development.

ReferencesBaxter, G. D., & Rarick, C. A. (1987). Education for the moral development of managers: Kohlbergs stages of moral development and integrative education. Journal of Business Ethics, 6(3), 243-248.Kohlberg, L., & Hersh, R. H. (1977). Moral development: A review of the theory. Theory into practice, 16(2), 53-59.