Who is Lawrence Kohlberg in Philosophy
Lawrence Kohlberg was a renowned American psychologist and philosopher, known primarily for his work in the field of morality and moral development. Born in 1927 in New York, Kohlberg dedicated his life to the study of morality and how individuals develop their sense of right and wrong over time. His work significantly influenced moral psychology and philosophy, and his theories continue to be discussed and studied to this day.
Childhood and Education
Kohlberg grew up in a Jewish family in New York and showed an interest in philosophy and moral issues from an early age. He attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where he excelled academically. After completing high school, Kohlberg entered the University of Chicago, where he studied psychology and philosophy. It was during his studies in Chicago that he became interested in moral development and decided to dedicate his career to this field of study.
Theory of Moral Development
Kohlberg's main contribution to moral philosophy and psychology was his theory of moral development. He proposed that individuals go through sequential stages of moral development as they mature. These stages are based on moral principles and the ability to reason morally. Kohlberg identified six stages of moral development, grouped into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional.
Pre-conventional Stages
At the preconventional level, individuals are focused on their own personal needs and interests. They follow the rules just to avoid punishment or get rewards. The preconventional stages are divided into two substages: obedience and punishment oriented and instrumental individualism.
In the first substage, obedience and punishment oriented, people follow rules to avoid punishment. They see rules as absolute and do not question their validity. In the second substage, instrumental individualism, people begin to recognize that there are different points of view and that they can act in their own interests as long as they do not harm others.
Conventional Internships
At the conventional level, individuals begin to internalize social rules and norms. They care about pleasing others and maintaining social order. The conventional stages are divided into two substages: interpersonal conformity and authority and maintenance of social order.
In the first substage, interpersonal conformity, people seek approval from others and follow rules to be seen as good and avoid conflict. In the second substage, authority and maintenance of social order, people value authority and social order, following rules to maintain stability and harmony in society.
Postconventional Stages
At the post-conventional level, individuals develop a sense of autonomous morality and begin to question social rules and norms. They base their actions on universal ethical principles and their own sense of justice. The post-conventional stages are divided into two substages: social contract and universal ethical principles.
In the first substage, social contract, people recognize that rules are social agreements and can be changed if they are not fair. They value democracy and individual rights. In the second substage, universal ethical principles, people follow universal moral principles even if they conflict with laws and social norms.
Criticism and Legacy
Kohlberg's theory of moral development has received criticism over the years. Some argue that it is too focused on abstract principles and does not take into account the influence of social and cultural context on moral development. Additionally, the theory has been criticized for being based primarily on studies of Western men, which limits its applicability to other cultures and groups.
However, Kohlberg's work remains an important reference in the field of moral psychology and has influenced many other researchers. His theory provided a framework for understanding how individuals develop their sense of morality and how it affects their behavior. Her legacy can be seen in later studies on moral development and in educational approaches that seek to promote the formation of ethical and responsible individuals.
