Reflection Paper - Lawrence Kohlberg's Moral dev't theory

Leonardo Z. Camboja Jr.                                                                     Ed-123B Facilitating Learning

BEE-2                                                                                                   Olga Alonsabe, Ph.D.

July 20, 2012                                                                                       MWF – 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Reflection Paper No. 7 Lawrence Kohlberg’s Moral dev’t. Theory

During our discussion, Dr. Alonsabe relates the cognitive development theories on Kohlberg’s Moral development theories:

·      In Stage one (obedience and punishment driven), individuals focus on the direct consequences of their actions on themselves.

·      In Stage two - Conventional morality is characterized by an acceptance of society's conventions concerning right and wrong. At this level an individual obeys rules and follows society's norms even when there are no consequences for obedience or disobedience

·       In Stage three (interpersonal accord and conformity driven), the self enters society by filling social roles.

·      In Stage five (social contract driven), the world is viewed as holding different opinions, rights and values. Such perspectives should be mutually respected as unique to each person or community. Laws are regarded as social contracts rather than rigid edicts.

·      In Stage six (universal ethical principles driven), moral reasoning is based on abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles. Laws are valid only insofar as they are grounded in justice, and a commitment to justice carries with it an obligation to disobey unjust laws. 

After this discussion, I realize how important is too driven of the decision in terms of moral aspect. Example of this situation is the case of Mr. Heinz. It’s not easy for me to have a decision like Mr. Heinz case I need discernment and prayer about it. My level of understanding belongs to stage one but I will not withdraw my stand because if I apply this situation for my own life I will not steal, just like what my wife said, don’t let yourself suffer from the things that I know I will die. Let go and let God decide all of this.

          As a future educator, I will teach the children on how to distinguish right or wrong situation base on moral principles and ethics because this can be a guide for them in the future.