Kohlberg's Theory Of Moral Reasoning

In the post-conventional stage, Kohlberg defines the adult stage of development through moral reasoning in a more personal/individual perspective. In stage five, the premise of “human rights” becomes the primary objective, which often involves an adult perception of justice through a more relativistic perspective. The idea of a ;’social contract’ becomes possible at this stage because the individual has learned to reason and evaluate the rules and regulations in society, which can be compared and critically evaluated on s historical, social, and legal system of reasoning. Kohlberg’s (1981) own rationalization for the social contract defines the complex interactions of the individual living within a society, which forms a foundation for the …show more content…
This mode of moral reasoning defines a higher level of logic and reasoning, which defines the apogee of adult social and mental development. This form of independent thinking no longer involves fear of punishment for a specific behavior, but more so, that it defines the individuals’ independent ability make choices for their own best interest: “Because the experiences necessary for structural development are believed to universal” (Kohlberg 88). This form of independent thinking requires that the individual understands the universal code of abstract thinking in the Kantian mode, which demands a thorough investigation of universal moral behaviors that may serve the individual, and also, the greater good of society. However, this form of abstract ideal must be able to critically evaluate the complexities of social norms and laws, which define the undercurrent of moral reasoning as a basis for making well-founded judgments if the social contract is to be adjusted or realigned with a new set of moral principles. In terms of the social contract, Kohlberg’s universal motive for abstract moral reasoning shows the adult mode of development that greatly expands on the social issues related to adult development: “In using a universal sequence of development as its base this approach integrates both; on the one hand the transitions from stage to stage are steps which are individually executed, on the other hand the subject shares this direction of development with all human beings” (Garz 190). In this manner, Kohlberg’s theory of adult development involves Piaget’s evaluation of cognitive development, but it also involves the philosophical and moral aspects of the social contract as a guide to enhance the abstract thinking skills the mature adult ahs developed at this latter stage of