Okay, so today I wanted to get a better handle on Kohlberg’s stages of moral development for my AP Psychology class. It’s one of those topics that seems straightforward, but I wanted to really get it, you know?
Getting Started
First, I grabbed my textbook and re-read the section on Kohlberg. I paid close attention to the descriptions of each stage: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. I also jotted down some notes in my notebook, trying to summarize each stage in my own words.
Making it Real with Examples
Just reading the definitions wasn’t enough, though. I needed to make it stick. So, I started thinking about real-life examples, or at least, scenarios I could relate to.
- Pre-conventional: This is like when you’re a little kid. You don’t steal a cookie because you’re afraid of getting a timeout, not because you know stealing is wrong. It’s all about avoiding punishment or getting a reward.
- Conventional: Okay, this is like most teenagers (and adults!). You follow the rules because you want to be seen as a “good” person and because you understand that rules keep society running smoothly. Like, you stop at a red light even if no one is around, because that’s the law, and it is your duty.
- Post-conventional: This is the tricky one. This is where you start thinking about universal ethical principles, even if they conflict with the law. Like, would you break the law to protect someone’s human rights? It’s not about what’s popular or what the rules say; it’s about what you believe is truly just.
Testing Myself
After coming up with examples, I tried to quiz myself. I imagined different scenarios and tried to figure out which stage of moral reasoning was being used. I even asked my mom a few hypothetical questions to see if her answers matched what I expected. And it’s kind hard for me to judge whether an answer is in this or that stage. I am still comfused with some answers.
Still Working On It
Honestly, the post-conventional stage is still a bit fuzzy for me. I think it takes a lot of life experience to really grasp those higher-level moral principles. But I feel like I have a much better understanding of the basics now. I plan to keep practicing with more examples, and maybe I’ll even discuss it with my study group next week. It’s definitely a work in progress!
