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Lecture 5

Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development outlines three levels of moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, each reflecting different understandings of morality. Carol Gilligan critiques this theory by emphasizing gender differences in moral reasoning, proposing an 'ethics of care' that prioritizes relationships and context. The implications of these theories in engineering highlight how moral reasoning influences ethical decision-making at various stages, from compliance with laws to advocating for social good.

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8 views

Lecture 5

Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development outlines three levels of moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, each reflecting different understandings of morality. Carol Gilligan critiques this theory by emphasizing gender differences in moral reasoning, proposing an 'ethics of care' that prioritizes relationships and context. The implications of these theories in engineering highlight how moral reasoning influences ethical decision-making at various stages, from compliance with laws to advocating for social good.

Uploaded by

aimasajid00
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development:

Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development suggests that individuals progress through three levels of
moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, each representing different
ways of thinking about right and wrong. These stages reflect the evolving understanding of morality,
influenced by social interactions and personal development.

Pre-conventional Level:

 Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation


Individuals obey rules to avoid punishment.

 Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange


Individuals act to serve their own interests and seek rewards.

Conventional Level:

 Stage 3: Interpersonal Relationships


Individuals seek approval and want to be seen as "good" by others.

 Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order


Individuals respect laws and rules to maintain order in society.

Post-conventional Level:

 Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights


Individuals believe that laws should promote the greatest good and can be challenged if
unjust.

 Stage 6: Universal Principles


Individuals follow moral principles based on universal ethics, regardless of laws or rules.

Gilligan's theory of moral development


Carol Gilligan's theory of moral development challenges Kohlberg's model by highlighting gender
differences in moral reasoning. She argued that Kohlberg's framework, which emphasized abstract
principles and justice, had a male bias. Men tend to resolve moral dilemmas by applying universal
rules, often prioritizing the most important moral principle over other concerns.

In contrast, Gilligan observed that women focus more on maintaining personal relationships and
consider the impact of their decisions on others. This approach, which she called the "ethics of care,"
contrasts with the "ethics of rules and rights" typically adopted by men.

Gilligan revised Kohlberg’s three levels of moral development:


1. Pre-conventional level: Self-centered, concerned with personal gain.

2. Conventional level: Focus on avoiding harm to others, with a willingness to sacrifice personal
interests for the well-being of others, reflecting women’s emphasis on care and compassion.

3. Post-conventional level: A balanced approach, where individuals find a compromise


between caring for others and fulfilling their own needs, achieved through context-based
reasoning rather than strict rules.

Gilligan's theory emphasizes the importance of care, relationships, and context in moral decision-
making, offering a more relational and care-oriented perspective on ethical development.

Implications of Kohlberg’s Theory in Engineering:

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development can guide engineers in making ethical decisions at various
stages of their moral reasoning. The implications in the engineering field are as follows:

Pre-conventional Level:

 Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation


Engineers may follow safety protocols or regulations to avoid legal consequences or
disciplinary action, rather than out of a sense of responsibility for public safety.

 Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange


Engineers may design projects or make decisions based on personal gain or rewards, such as
maximizing profit or receiving personal recognition, rather than prioritizing public welfare.

Conventional Level:

 Stage 3: Interpersonal Relationships


Engineers may follow industry standards and ethical guidelines to gain approval from
colleagues, clients, or superiors, maintaining a good reputation within the professional
community.

 Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order


Engineers may adhere strictly to legal requirements, company policies, and industry
regulations, aiming to uphold societal order and ensure the welfare of the public through
compliance.

Post-conventional Level:

 Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights


Engineers may challenge existing laws or corporate practices if they believe these laws or
practices are harmful or unjust, advocating for changes that promote social good, such as
sustainability or public safety.

 Stage 6: Universal Principles


Engineers may make decisions based on universal ethical principles, such as justice, equality,
and human rights, even if these decisions conflict with company policies or legal
requirements, prioritizing the well-being of society and the environment over profit.

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