Theories of Moral Development
Introduction Lawrence Kohlberg (1927-1987) devised a theory in which he explained s six stages of moral development divided into three levels. Morality is the system one uses to decide what is right and wrong; how one’s conscience affects choices. Moral development refers to the capacity of the individual to act in accord with conscience and moral imperatives rather than egocentric values. Kholberg defines moral judjments "as judgments of value, as social judgments, and as judgments that oblige an individual to take action.” He was inspired by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget and the American philosopher John Dewey. Moral development accross life span By the second year of life, “moral emotions” are emerged. By 36 months, most children demonstrate the internalization of parental standards. During the school years, the importance of rules and adhering to them become well defi ned. Moral dvelopment after adolescent period is complex and influenced by social factors. Kohlberg's The...