UGANDA MARTYRS UNIVERSITY, NKOZI.

Ethics course work 1

MUSASIZI ISAAC M. 2021-B071-12107

LAWRENCE KOHLBERG'S THEORY

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral growth suggests a systematic progression through six
stages of moral thinking, which are divided into three levels. According to this view, people
progress through these stages, fine-tuning their sense of right and wrong as they mature and
interact with their environment. The Three Levels are;

Level 1: Pre-conventional Morality (ages 4–7)

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience: Morality is about avoiding punishment and following
laws for personal advantage. "Right" is what avoids being caught or results in an immediate
reward.

Stage 2: Vital Purpose and Exchange: Morality emphasizes fairness and reciprocity. "Right"
is achieving what you want and making a fair transaction.

Level 2: Conventional Morality (Adolescence, Early Adulthood)

Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl Morality is about pleasing people, meeting expectations, and
achieving social acceptance. "Right" is what receives favor while avoiding condemnation from
others.

Stage 4: Law and order: Morality is founded on maintaining social order and adhering to the
law. "Right" means adhering to the rules and doing what benefits the group.

Level 3: Post-Conventional Morality (Mature Adulthood)

Stage 5: Social Contract: Morality is about respecting universal values of fairness and justice,
even if they conflict with existing regulations. "Right" means respecting the social compact and
considering the larger good.
 Stage 6: Universal ethical principles: Morality is founded on personal conscience and universal
ethical principles (such as human rights and equality), even when they contradict laws or
societal conventions. "Right" means doing what one believes is right, regardless of the
consequences.

NB: He claims that not everyone reaches the highest stage, and some may remain at lower levels
throughout their lives.

CAROL GILLIGAN’S THEORY OF ETHICS OF CARE.

In reaction to Kohlberg's theory, Carol Gilligan suggested the ethics of care as an alternative
framework for comprehending moral thinking. Unlike Kohlberg's emphasis on justice and rights,
Gilligan's philosophy prioritizes connections, care, and accountability.

Core principles:

 Relationality: Humans are naturally interconnected beings whose well-being is

inseparaby linked. Moral reasoning originates from a sense of obligation in these
relationships.
 Care: Morality entails caring for others and meeting their needs. This concern goes
beyond individuals to communities and the environment.
 Context-dependent: Moral decisions are formed based on the specific circumstances and
relationships at hand, rather than universal ideals.

Moral Lessons in Care Ethics:

Developing Relationships: Early experiences providing and receiving care influence an

individual's moral perspective. Nurturing connections helps people build a sense of self and
morality.

Voice and Perspective-Taking: Applying moral reasoning requires hearing other people out,
taking into account their viewpoints, and analyzing how actions will affect different people and
relationships.