Kohlberg’s Moral Dilemmas Example Essay

Kohlberg’s Moral Dilemmas Example Essay

Kohlberg’s moral dilemmas were a subject of study for him as he sought to understand the decision-making process of distinguishing right from wrong. Kohlberg developed a theory of moral development, positing that moral reasoning evolves through six stages from childhood to adulthood. This essay on Kohlberg’s Moral Dilemmas delves into Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, the concept of moral dilemmas, various types, and provides illustrative examples.

What is Kohlberg’s Moral Dilemma and His Theory of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg’s fascination with understanding the basis for people’s moral judgments led him to present a scenario involving a man attempting to obtain an expensive medication required for his wife’s cancer treatment. When the pharmacist refuses to lower the price, the man, who lacks the money, contemplates stealing the medicine. Kohlberg aimed to investigate how the man reached his decision, proposing that moral reasoning advances alongside ethical behavior. His theory centers on the development of moral reasoning in children, emphasizing the pursuit of justice.

Exploring Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Moral development entails the development of the ability to differentiate between right and wrong and the corresponding reasoning process. Lawrence Kohlberg, an American psychologist, crafted a theory that addresses critical questions in this field. He expanded on Piaget’s theory and proposed that moral development is an ongoing process.

Kohlberg’s theory of moral development offers valuable insights for parents seeking to guide their children in character development. Parents of young children can emphasize rule adherence, while older children can learn about societal expectations. Educators can apply Kohlberg’s theory in the classroom by offering moral guidance.

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For instance, a kindergarten teacher can foster moral development by establishing school rules and consequences for rule violations, helping children progress through the initial stage of moral reasoning. High school teachers can concentrate on nurturing interpersonal relationships and upholding social order, promoting moral development by setting classroom rules and encouraging students to consider ethical choices.

Exploring Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Kohlberg’s theory posits that moral reasoning evolves through six stages from childhood to adulthood, grouped into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Each stage represents a more advanced level of moral reasoning influenced by life experiences.

1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation

At the pre-conventional level, individuals conform to rules primarily to avoid punishment. This stage suggests that what is right is synonymous with personal satisfaction or avoidance of negative consequences. Children at this stage are shaped by the expectations of authority figures and adhere to rules to escape punishment. Kohlberg proposed that consequences determine behavior, making rule obedience essential to evade punishment.

2. Instrumental Orientation

The instrumental stage also asserts that consequences dictate behavior. Individuals at this stage follow rules to fulfill personal needs or gain rewards.

3. Good Boy/Girl Orientation

The conventional level underscores the significance of adhering to societal rules. Individuals at this stage uphold rules set by peers, parents, and authorities to maintain social order. Adults evaluate the moral standards imparted by society, shifting the focus from self-interest to maintaining positive social relationships. At this stage, behavior is shaped by the pursuit of social approval and the desire to be seen as a virtuous individual.

4. Law and Order Orientation

In this stage, behavior is guided by adherence to societal laws, and individuals consider a broader perspective beyond personal interests. The aim is to uphold laws by respecting authority, fulfilling one’s duties, and following established rules.

5. Social Contract Orientation

At the post-conventional level, individuals extend their moral reasoning beyond societal norms. Morality becomes grounded in principles and values applicable to all societies and situations. Behavior is influenced by a concern for individual rights, and individuals recognize that rules can be subject to exceptions in certain circumstances.

6. Universal Ethical Principle Orientation

According to Kohlberg, the universal ethical principle stage represents the highest level of moral reasoning, though not everyone reaches this stage. At this level, actions are determined by ethical principles of conscience that apply universally. Decision-making involves considering the perspectives of all individuals affected by a choice.

What is the Concept of a Moral Dilemma?

A moral dilemma arises when one is confronted with conflicting ethical values and must make a decision that entails violating other moral principles. It involves choosing among multiple actions, each with its own moral justifications, in a situation where it is impossible to adhere to all moral principles. A moral dilemma can be a challenging situation in which making the right choice is difficult.

Exploring the Three Types of Morals

There are three primary types of morals:

1. Metaethics

Metaethics aids individuals in determining what is morally right. It involves questions about the existence of moral values, the universality of morality, and the meanings of terms like “good” and “right.”

2. Normative Ethics

Normative ethics pertains to the appropriate standards for determining right and wrong behavior. This category encompasses various ethical theories, including virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism.

3. Applied Ethics

Applied ethics deals with moral issues that arise in either private or public life. These issues can include topics such as stem cell research, abortion, and animal treatment.

Exploring Examples of Moral Dilemmas

Examples of moral dilemmas include:

1. The Tram Dilemma

A runaway train is headed toward five people tied to a track, and you have the opportunity to divert it onto another track where only one person is tied. Do you choose to divert the train and save five lives at the expense of one, or do you let it continue on its course, leading to the death of five people?

2. The Prisoner’s Dilemma

Two individuals are accused of a bank robbery, and both face a 10-year prison sentence if they remain silent. If one confesses and the other remains silent, the confessor goes free, while the silent one receives a 10-year sentence. If both confess, they each receive a 6-year sentence. If both remain silent, they each receive a 1-year sentence. This dilemma depends on the choices of both parties.

3. The Noble Thief

You witness a man robbing a bank, but he intends to donate the stolen money to an orphanage in desperate need. Reporting the thief would mean the orphanage has to return the money, which was intended to feed the children. This moral dilemma becomes more complex if someone dies during the robbery.

Understanding the Types of Moral Dilemmas

Moral dilemmas can be categorized into various types, including:

1. Ontological Moral Dilemma

In this type of dilemma, the available options and their moral consequences are equal, making it challenging to choose between them.

2. Epistemic Moral Dilemma

An epistemic moral dilemma presents two conflicting choices, and it is difficult to determine which choice is morally correct due to a lack of information.

3. Self-Imposed Moral Dilemma

A self-imposed moral dilemma arises from an individual’s own actions or mistakes, creating a moral conflict during decision-making.

4. World-Imposed Moral Dilemma

World-imposed moral dilemmas result from situations beyond an individual’s control, where they must resolve moral conflicts even though the cause is external, such as during wartime.

5. Obligation Moral Dilemma

In an obligation dilemma, a person feels responsible for multiple choices and believes they must act according to a sense of duty.

6. Prohibition Moral Dilemma

A prohibition moral

dilemma requires choosing between options that are both prohibited, leading to a decision involving illegal or immoral choices.

Exploring the Four Types of Moral Dilemmas

There are four primary types of moral dilemmas:

1. Hypothetical Dilemma

A hypothetical dilemma places an individual in a situation unlikely to occur in real life, serving as a thought experiment.

2. Open Dilemma

An open dilemma presents all possible scenarios related to a dilemma, allowing the individual to choose the course of action.

3. Closed Dilemma

In a closed dilemma, the individual evaluates the performance of a protagonist within the dilemma without deciding the outcome.

4. Complete Dilemma

A complete dilemma informs the individual of the consequences associated with each available option.

Exploring the Three Levels of Ethical Decision-Making

There are three levels of ethical decision-making:

1. Consequential

At the consequential level, the focus is on the outcomes of an action and how it will affect people. Decision-makers consider actions that will result in the best overall results.

2. Duty

Duty-based ethical decision-making involves evaluating one’s responsibilities and ethical obligations in a given situation. It prioritizes doing what is morally right, even if the consequences are unfavorable.

3. Virtue

Virtue-based ethical decision-making centers on identifying the character traits that can motivate a person in a particular situation. Decision-makers consider the qualities of a virtuous person and aim to align their actions with virtuous character traits.

In Conclusion

Lawrence Kohlberg’s exploration of moral reasoning led to the presentation of Kohlberg’s Moral Dilemmas, shedding light on how individuals make ethical decisions. His theory of moral development encompasses six stages, while moral dilemmas challenge individuals to make choices in situations where conflicting ethical values are at play. These dilemmas can take various forms and test individuals’ ability to navigate complex moral terrain. Understanding the different types of morals and ethical decision-making levels further enriches one’s moral reasoning capabilities when faced with dilemmas.