Kohlberg extended Piaget's theory of moral development, proposing that it occurs throughout life. He studied children's responses to moral dilemmas like the Heinz dilemma, where a man considers stealing a drug to save his dying wife. Kohlberg identified 6 stages of moral development: pre-moral obedience, individual exchange, maintaining social order, social contract, and universal principles. At higher stages, individuals consider multiple perspectives and prioritize human rights over laws or social order.

1. Kohlberg’s theory on Moral
Development
ANU SAJI
PHYSICAL SCIENCE

2. Lawrence Kohlberg

3. Theory of Moral Development
 Kohlberg extended Piaget’s theory, proposed that moral
development is a continual process that occurs throughout
the life span.
 Used Piaget’s story telling technique to tell people stories
involving moral dilemmas.

4. Theory of Moral Development
 He based his theory upon research and interviews with
groups of young children.
 A sense of moral dilemmas were presented to these
participants and they were interviewed to determine
reasoning behind their judgements of each scenario.

5. The Heinz Dilemma
 Heinz’s wife was dying from cancer.
 Doctors advised that there is only one drug that can save her
 The chemist demanded 10 times the cost to make the drug.
 Heinz couldn’t afford it.
 Chemist didn’t listen to his pleedings.
 Heinz stole it from his premises that night.

6. Stages of Moral Development

7. Pre-Moral stage
 Obedience and Punishment
1. Rules are absolute.
2. Mr Heinz is wrong as stealing is wrong.
 Individualism and Exchange
1. Rules are not necessarily rigid and are not always right.
2. Chemist was unfair and Mr Heinz was correct.

8. Conventional Stage
 Good interpersonal relationships
1. Family, community, trust and compassion
2. Mr heinz was correct
 Maintaining social order
1. Emphasis on social system and social order.
2. Mr Heinz was wrong

9. Post-Conventional Stage
 Social contract and individual rights
1. People understand that there can be multiple perspectives and multiple types of
society.
2. Human rights and laws are different aspects.
3. Mr Heinz was right as he saved a life
 Universal principle
1. People may have their own moral guidelines which may not tie in with the society.
2. Act accordingly and defend principles

10. Summing up...