Critical Examination of Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development
Although Kohlberg’s theory of morality has been crucial in understanding human’s moral judgments, it makes certain assumptions that may compromise its credibility. The theory is divided into three main stages: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional morality. At the pre-conventional stage, children’s moral judgments are dictated by the rules and regulations handed down by the parents or school administration (Gale, 2016). In other words, children base their moral judgments within the precincts of values and beliefs enforced by the authority. For example, they argue in Heinz dilemma, that he should not steal the drugs because he will be punished for it. As children grow into conventional stage, they realize that there is more than one way of viewing their morality (Crain, 1985). They begin questioning rules and try to make their independent judgments based on what they believe is right or wrong. The ability to think independently continues into the post-conventional stage where basic rights and democracy are factored into principles and values that make a good society. According to Gibbs (2014), Kohlberg is right in most of his understandings of human’s moral development. …show more content…
It is important, however, to criticize the various loopholes that Kohlberg either assumed or failed to notice. For instance, Kohlberg based his theory more on cognitive development than other issues that may also have similar impact on a child’s moral development. The media and technology have become great sources of influence that continue to affect the moral judgment of not only children but also adults (Gale, 2016). It is also important to recognize the fact that environmental circumstances and cultural backgrounds may have a great influence on the values and beliefs of a given
Although Kohlberg’s theory of morality has been crucial in understanding human’s moral judgments, it makes certain assumptions that may compromise its credibility. The theory is divided into three main stages: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional morality. At the pre-conventional stage, children’s moral judgments are dictated by the rules and regulations handed down by the parents or school administration (Gale, 2016). In other words, children base their moral judgments within the precincts of values and beliefs enforced by the authority. For example, they argue in Heinz dilemma, that he should not steal the drugs because he will be punished for it. As children grow into conventional stage, they realize that there is more than one way of viewing their morality (Crain, 1985). They begin questioning rules and try to make their independent judgments based on what they believe is right or wrong. The ability to think independently continues into the post-conventional stage where basic rights and democracy are factored into principles and values that make a good society. According to Gibbs (2014), Kohlberg is right in most of his understandings of human’s moral development. …show more content…
It is important, however, to criticize the various loopholes that Kohlberg either assumed or failed to notice. For instance, Kohlberg based his theory more on cognitive development than other issues that may also have similar impact on a child’s moral development. The media and technology have become great sources of influence that continue to affect the moral judgment of not only children but also adults (Gale, 2016). It is also important to recognize the fact that environmental circumstances and cultural backgrounds may have a great influence on the values and beliefs of a given