Ethics:Cognitive moral development

theory
01 Introduction
Kohlberg's Cognitive Moral Development Theory explores individuals' establishment of moral and
ethical principles. The theory suggests that moral reasoning develops in stages throughout an
individual's life.

This theory expands on Piaget's work and is often represented using a ladder metaphor to depict
advancements in moral reasoning.

Kohlberg suggests that moral development occurs in a predetermined sequence, with individuals
progressing through the stages in order. He also proposed that attaining the highest stages is rare for
individuals.
The stages are classified into three main levels.

Pre-conventional morality is a stage in moral development where decisions are based on immediate
outcomes. The initial stage is characterised by obedience and punishment, where individuals abstain
from wrongdoing to evade punishment.

The second stage focuses on individualism and exchange, where right behaviour is determined by
self-interest.

Conventional moral reasoning is based on fulfilling social roles, societal expectations, and obeying
laws. This stage includes interpersonal agreement and conformity (Stage 3), where individuals seek
to be seen as morally upright by others, and authority and social order maintenance orientation
(Stage 4), where individuals follow rules to uphold the law and avoid guilt.

Post-conventional level refers to a stage of moral development where individuals surpass societal
norms and contemplate abstract ethical principles. This includes social contract orientation (Stage
5), where right behaviour involves upholding group-oriented rules, and universal ethical principles
(Stage 6), which involves adherence to transcendent ethical principles.
02 Case Study: 'Stealing to Save a Life'
 Case Study: John's wife is terminally ill, and there's a
medication that can save her life. However, it's extremely
expensive, and John can't afford it. Out of desperation and love
for his wife, John is contemplating stealing the medication.

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1.Pre-Conventional Level:
1. Stage 1 (Obedience and Punishment Orientation): During this phase, John may opt against
engaging in the act of theft pertaining to the medicine due to apprehension regarding potential
repercussions, including legal ramifications or societal censure.
2. Stage 2 (Individualism and Exchange): In this scenario, John may contemplate appropriating the
medicine due to its potential to directly benefit him by potentially preserving his spouse's life. The
individual perceives their actions through the lens of a transaction, wherein they are willingly
assuming the potential consequences in order to safeguard their spouse's well-being.

2.Conventional Level:
1. Stage 3 (Interpersonal Relationships): John may potentially contemplate engaging in the act of
appropriating the medicine due to his perception that such behaviour aligns with societal
expectations of a commendable spouse, thereby safeguarding his wife.
2. Stage 4 (Maintaining Social Order): At this juncture, John may opt against appropriating the
medicine due to his comprehension of the presence of legal frameworks, such as those prohibiting
theft, which serve to uphold societal harmony. One possible line of reasoning that he may employ is
that in the event that individuals were to engage in theft in order to satisfy their needs, it is likely
that society would experience a state of disorder and turmoil.
3. Post-Conventional Level:
1. Stage 5 (Social Contract and Individual Rights): John may opt to appropriate the medicine due to
his adherence to the overarching ethical obligation of safeguarding human existence. One could
potentially contend that the law which prohibits theft holds a lesser degree of significance when
compared to the principle of the "social contract," which posits that society has an obligation to
safeguard the inherent right to life of its constituents.
2. Stage 6 (Universal Principles): At this stage, John may opt to appropriate the medication in
accordance with his personal ethical framework. If an individual holds the belief that preserving a
human life is a fundamental ethical principle that supersedes all other considerations, they will
proceed to appropriate the medicine, regardless of the potential legal or societal repercussions.

Throughout the various stages, John's decision regarding whether to engage in the act of stealing the
medicine or refrain from doing so serves as a manifestation of his moral growth and comprehension of
ethical principles pertaining to what is considered morally justifiable or morally unjustifiable. According to
Kohlberg's theory, individuals undergo a developmental progression across various stages throughout their
lifespan, with their moral decision-making reflecting the highest stage attained. Nevertheless, it is crucial to
acknowledge that the progression to later stages of moral development may not be universal, and even
individuals at the same stage can exhibit significant variations in their moral decision-making.
03 Conclusion
In conclusion, Lawrence Kohlberg's Cognitive Moral Development Theory applies to the case study
'Stealing to Save a Life’. Each stage's moral issue helps us comprehend moral thinking and ethical
decision-making.

John's pre-conventional decisions are influenced by sanctions and rewards. Social and legal
expectations arise when he rises to the customary level. John's moral problem peaks at the post-
conventional level, when he wrestles with abstract ethical concepts and the potential universality of
moral responsibilities like the right to life.

Kohlberg's thesis is not prescriptive, however. It gives a framework for analysing moral dilemmas,
not what John should do. Kohlberg's approach may not account for cultural, societal, and personal
influences on morality.

The idea poses important personal and social problems. How do we combine personal wants with
social norms? Is it ever okay to put morality above law and society? These concerns make us
consider our moral evolution and the moral difficulties of our reality.
THANKS