Kohlbergs Theory of Moral Development - Essay Example

At this level, the child determines the goodness or badness of an action by the physical consequences, rather than by thinking about respect for others. In the second stage, there may be some consideration of others but there must be reciprocity, “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” (Kohlberg 53).

At the conventional level, an understanding of norms and conventions necessary for society is developing. People in stage 3 in this level are aware of others’ feelings; they define right and wrong based on what other people close to them expect. They begin to appreciate values such as trust, loyalty, and respect. At stage 4 the circle of people to be considered is widening. People now define right in terms of the wider society. Kohlberg called this the ‘law and order orientation. At the post-conventional level, the reasoning is based on principles.

In stage 5 reasoning is based on ethical fairness principles. Stage 6 represents high regard for life and human welfare that is universal and not dependent on any particular culture or society. People at this level are thought to act with great conscience and follow abstract ethical principles. Reed describes moral development as a “shift from egocentric and self-interested personal agency to socio-centric and community-interested cooperative agency” (359). Kohlberg believed that everyone had to progress from one stage to the other without skipping stages.

He also believes that very few humans were able to achieve level 6. Although the stages are not described in terms of chronological development, there is some progression according to age. Thus I believe that I function generally at the conventional level, stage 4 since I can think about consequences to others besides immediate family. Most of the time when I think about doing something, I do stop to think about whether I am breaking the law, for example, I may want to take a chance to drive after having a drink or two.

At those times my reasoning is not only about the harm that may occur to others but also the fact that it is against the law of society. It might be that I, like most people, waver between stages 3 and 4. There are still times when my behavior is guided only by the fact that I need to maintain law and order. There are certain actions that I have been tempted into such as sneaking money from my parents when I need it. This is done with little regard for the consequences to my parents and with a clear awareness that the only worry is not to get caught.

Raaijmakers et al explain that specific delinquent behavior common in young adults are not necessarily related to moral reasoning and that these behaviors do not necessarily signify that one is amoral. They also suggest that the situation and personal characteristics can result in someone reasoning at a higher level sometimes and a lower level at other times. I am sure though that I do not function at a pre-conventional level as I do not seek revenge or reciprocity when someone mistreats me. However, I do not think that I have matured enough yet to the level 5 or 6.