Question

Matt and Cati discuss the reasons why they avoid driving above the speed limit. Matt says that he wants to avoid a traffic fine, while Cati says that speeding is dangerous and, if everyone did it, there would be more accidents and people would get hurt. According to Kohlberg, which of the following describes the phases of moral reasoning demonstrated by Matt and Cati, respectively? (A) Preconventional; conventional (B) Preconventional; postconventional (C) Conventional; preconventional (D) Postconventional; conventional

Short answer

(B).

Step-by-step solution

Identify Matt's Reasoning

Matt says he wants to avoid a traffic fine. This reasoning is based on avoiding punishment, which falls under Kohlberg's Preconventional stage of moral reasoning.

Identify Cati's Reasoning

Cati says that speeding is dangerous and, if everyone did it, there would be more accidents and people would get hurt. This reasoning considers the greater good and impacts on society, which is indicative of Kohlberg's Postconventional stage of moral reasoning.

Match Matt and Cati's Reasoning with the Given Options

From the available options, determine which correctly matches Matt with Preconventional and Cati with Postconventional stages of Kohlberg's moral reasoning.

Select the Correct Answer

The correct answer that matches Matt with Preconventional and Cati with Postconventional is option (B).

Key concepts

Preconventional Stage

The preconventional stage is the first level in Kohlberg's stages of moral development. In this stage, people, often children, view rules as fixed and absolute. They obey rules to avoid punishment. For example, Matt avoids speeding because he fears a traffic fine.

The preconventional stage is divided into two sub-stages:

• Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
  At this stage, moral reasoning is based on direct consequences. The main focus is on avoiding punishment.
• Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
  Here, individuals recognize that there isn't just one right view handed down by authorities. They begin to see that different individuals have different perspectives.

Understanding this stage helps to see how moral reasoning starts with a self-centered viewpoint, focusing on direct outcomes for oneself.

Postconventional Stage

The postconventional stage is Kohlberg's third level of moral development. Here, individuals move beyond societal norms and laws, thinking about moral principles in abstract terms. Cati's reasoning aligns with this stage, as she considers the broader consequences of speeding on society.

The postconventional stage includes two sub-stages:

• Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights
  In this sub-stage, people begin to see that laws are social contracts rather than fixed rules. They consider the greater good and individual rights when making moral decisions.
• Stage 6: Universal Principles
  At this stage, moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles that apply to all people. Individuals follow these universal principles of justice, even if they conflict with laws and rules.

Understanding this stage shows how moral reasoning can evolve to incorporate broad ethical considerations and principles, prioritizing societal benefits over personal gain.

Conventional Stage

The conventional stage is the middle level in Kohlberg's stages of moral development. At this stage, individuals value the rules and expectations of society. They adhere to laws and rules to maintain social order.

The conventional stage is divided into two sub-stages:

• Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships
  Individuals in this sub-stage are focused on living up to social expectations and roles. They value trust, caring, and loyalty to others as important in meeting these expectations.
• Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order
  Here, people consider society as a whole when making moral judgments. They respect authority and follow rules to maintain social order.

Understanding this stage is crucial in recognizing how individuals integrate societal norms and laws into their moral reasoning, with a focus on maintaining harmony and order within their community.