Moral Reasoning

Lawrence Kohlberg developed the most influential theory of moral development (see Chapter 9, page 393). To assess moral reasoning, he presented individuals with hypothetical moral dilemmas and asked them how they would respond in the given circumstances. Kohlberg concluded that it was not the answers that the individuals provided to these moral dilemmas that were critical, but, rather, it was the reasoning that they used to justify their answers that was significant.

Visit the following Web site: http://www.haverford.edu/psych/ddavis/p109g/kohlberg.dilemmas.html. It presents four moral dilemmas and also questions that can be used to assess moral reasoning. Select one of the moral dilemmas and complete the corresponding questions.

Question 1

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Question 2

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Question 3

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According to your textbook, moral reasoning does not necessarily translate into moral behavior. In the 1980s, America got a first-hand look at the Jimmy Swaggart scandal. Swaggart was a popular televangelist who founded a megachurch called Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. In two separate incidents, Swaggart was found with prostitutes, events that ultimately led to the downfall of his ministry. Provide an example of another public figure who emphasized high moral standards, but who was caught engaging in immoral behavior. You can select a politician, celebrity, sports figure, etc.

Question 4

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Question 5

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Question 6

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Question 7

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Question 8

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According to psychologist Carol Gilligan, because Kohlberg’s early research was conducted entirely with male participants, his theory does not adequately address moral reasoning among women. Gilligan argued that Kohlberg’s theory is based on an ethic of individual rights and justice, a common perspective for men. Women, in contrast, emphasize an ethic of care and responsibility in their moral reasoning. However, follow-up research has indicated only slight differences in moral reasoning between males and females. Research moreover reveals that both men and women combine care and justice in their moral reasoning.