Question

Using Kohlberg's terms, identify the level of moral reasoning in each statement:

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Pre conventional

2. Post conventional

3. Conventional.

Explanation:

Kohlberg did some studies on morality and proposed a theory on moral development.

Kohlberg defined three different levels of morality (and each level consists in 2 stages).

These levels are

• Pre conventional
• Conventional
• Post conventional

In the preconventional level, the person's morality is externally controlled and therefore acts based on what the punishment will be (1st stage) or based on how good will it be for him/her to act in some way (2nd stage)

The conventional level stages also has to do with external controls but now the person thinks in function of ensure positive relationships and societal order. The third stage here depends on the approval of others. The fourth stage has to do with accepting rules because they preserve the society order  and functioning.

The postconventional level stages are defined in more abstract principles or values. The 5th stage sees the world as a place with different values that must be respected. Finally the 6th stage is based in universal ethical abstract principles.

Now, looking at the information given:

(1) "He only cares if he gets punished or rewarded": This would be an example of pre conventional level, since the behavior is externally controlled and focuses on punishment (1st stage)

(2) "He has a personal code of ethics that transcends what society says" : This would be a postconventional level based on abstract values and principles that transcends society.

(3) "His morality is focused on what the culture says is legal or right": This would be a conventional level, since the behavior is externally controlled and focuses on society order (4th stage)