Select either Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, Gilligan’s theory of moral development, or Fowler’s theory of faith development. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your selected theory. Which stage of your selected theory, do you think that you are currently experiencing? Provide examples to reinforce your answer.
Below is a Sample Solution.
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According to Kohlberg, individuals progressed in their moral reasoning through a series of stages. He believed that there were six stages which could be more generally classified into three levels. His hypothesis made us understands that morality starts from the early childhood years and can be affected by several factors as one grows up.
The three levels are:
Pre-conventional
Stage 1, characterized by obedience and Punishment
Stage 2, characterized by individualism, instrumentalism, and exchange
Conventional
Stage 3, characterized by what can be called “Good boy/girl”
Stage 4, characterized by Law and Order
Post-conventional
Stage 5, characterized by Social Contract
Stage 6, characterized by Principled Conscience
Strengths
Cross-cultural studies affirm that children of different cultures progress through Kohlberg’s pre-conventional level into the stages of the conventional level.
Kohlberg’s Theory reinforces the fact that as our reasoning develops, our behavior becomes less selfish and more caring ready to take care for others not just yourself.
Weaknesses
The theory is perceived as being bias because of the aspect of post-conventional level. This aspect appears mostly in societies that value individualism, so theory could be perceived as biased against collectivist cultures.
Carol Gilligan also scrutinizes theory for being biased against Western women whose morality may be based on caring relationships, instead of impersonal principles. She claims Kohlberg’s theory is too focused on autonomy and justice.
Personally I think am in the second level of moral thinking is that generally found in our society today. The first stage of this level is stage 3 is characterized by an attitude which seeks to do what will gain the approval of others. The second stage is one oriented to abiding by the law and responding to the obligations of duty.