Moral Agent Kohlbergs Theory

1. moral agent

2. what makes a
person "ideal or
your role model"?

3. Principle-based ethics emphasizes the
enunciation and justification of principles of
right action, such as maximizing happiness,
performing one’s duties or securing a moral
agent’s rights.
Principles of action are what matter, with
right action being those actions that flow
from, are consistent with, or are implied by
the identified principle(s).
principles of moral AGENCY
Character-based ethics, emphasizes the
enunciation and justification of particular
moral virtues and vices, such as honesty,
humility, courage, loyalty, compassion, etc.
Good character is what matters (with right
action being those actions that flow from, are
consistent with, or are implied by the exercise
of moral virtues)

4. Principle-based ethics
"MORAL ACTS"
a person is right because
their actions conforms to
the moral standards.
principles of moral AGENCY
Character-based ethics
"VIRTUOUS ACTS"
a person is good because
they pursue virtues

5. virtues
in itself is a disposition to act, think and feel in certain ways.
virtue ethics
are identified as the one that emphasizes the virtues, or moral character, in contrast to
the approach that emphasizes duties or rules (deontology) or that emphasizes the
consequences of actions (consequentialism).

6. virtue character
They are excellent
traits which are
pracitced overtime.
Your good or bad
traits or virtues or
vices.
analogy
you

7. how did a person
developed what is
"good/RIGHT"?

8. Individualism and Exchange
Individuals pursue their own
interests but let others do the same.
What is right involves equal
exchange.
Obedience and Punishment
Orientation
Children obey because adults tell
them to obey. People base their
moral decisions on fear of
punishment.
1
LEVEL 1
PRECONVENTIONAL MORALITY
2

9. Maintaining Social Order
Moral judgments are based on
understanding of the social order,
law, justice, and duty.
Good Interpersonal
Relationships
Individuals value trust, caring, and
loyalty to others as a basis for
moral judgments.
3
LEVEL 2
CONVENTIONAL MORALITY
4

10. Universal Principles
The person has developed moral judgments that
are based on universal human rights. When faced
with a dilemma between law and conscience, a
personal, individualized conscience is followed
Social Contract and
Individual Rights
Individuals reason that values,
rights, and principles undergird or
transcend the law.
5
LEVEL 2
postCONVENTIONAL MORALITY
6

11. summary
At stage 1 children think of what is right as that which
authority says is right. Doing the right thing is obeying
authority and avoiding punishment.
At stage 2, children are no longer so impressed by any single
authority; they see that there are different sides to any issue.
Since everything is relative, one is free to pursue one's own
interests, although it is often useful to make deals and
exchange favors with others.

12. summary
At stages 3 and 4, young people think as members of the
conventional society with its values, norms, and expectations.
At stage 3, they emphasize being a good person, which
basically means having helpful motives toward people close to
one
At stage 4, the concern shifts toward obeying laws to

13. summary
At stages 5 and 6 people are less concerned with maintaining
society for it own sake, and more concerned with the
principles and values that make for a good society.
At stage 5 they emphasize basic rights and the democratic
processes that give everyone a say, and
At stage 6 they define the principles by which agreement will