Moral Development Learning Theory

Sample Solution

Introduction Moral development focuses on the emergence, change, and understanding of morality from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. There are several theories that have been developed in order to explain moral development. This paper will explore four theories of moral development: Jean Piaget’s Theory of Moral Development, Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development, Elliot Turiel’s Moral Domain Theory, and Albert Bandura’s Theory of Moral Development through Social Learning. It will compare and contrast two pairs of these theories—Piaget/Kohlberg and Turiel/Bandura—with respect to their similarities and differences as well as how each theory aligns with a biblical worldview. Jean Piaget's Theory Of Moral Development Jean Piaget (1896-1980) was a Swiss philosopher who developed a comprehensive theory about the nature and development of human intelligence which includes his research into how children develop morality. His theory is based on cognitive structures which he believed were necessary for organizing experience into meaningful information; this includes ethical reasoning or moral judgment. He divided this process in stages; the first stage being heteronomous thinking where an individual evaluates situations according to external authority such as parents or religious leaders without considering whether it makes sense intuitively or not (first stage). At this stage there is no ability to make judgments independently but only accept commands passively. The second stage is autonomous thinking where an individual can think rationally beyond parental guidance by recognizing rights but they are rigidly adhered too without any consideration for exceptions or complexities (second stage) .The third stage involves mutuality where one takes responsibility for oneself while at the same time considering what effect their actions have on others (third stage). Finally, integrated thinking represents mature reasoning which encompasses all three previous stages allowing individuals to recognize nuances within ethical dilemmas while still maintaining personal integrity(fourth stage).

Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory Of Moral Development Lawrence Kohlberg (1927-1987) was an American psychologist who proposed a six-stage model describing how people progress from childhood morals towards adult ones which he called his “Stages Of Morality". His stages are divided into three levels; pre-conventional morality is concerned with obedience followed by punishment avoidance at level one whilst level two involves reciprocal exchanges between self interest and social norms; conventional morality shifts focus onto conformity with societal expectations in level three then seeks approval from respected figures within society in level four ; finally postconventional morality moves away from externally imposed standards by embracing more abstract principles like justice at fifth followed by universal acceptance of said principles at sixth level regardless if they conflict with popular opinion(sixth Level.). Unlike Piaget ,Kohlberg believed that moral behavior was based upon free choice rather than reflexive behavior due solely influences external influences.. Elliot Turiel's Moral Domain Theory Elliot Turiel (1929 - ) is professor emeritus at University California Berkeley whose work provides an alternative approach focusing on conceptual analysis over observational evidence when determining moral judgements hence his ‘moral domain theory'. According to him basic concepts like 'right', 'wrong' ,'fair' etc. defined entire domains faithfulness thus making it possible for them deduce further implications just from understanding those terms themselves instead having observe actual behavior .He also suggested that different aspects our conscience could be prioritized differently depending upon context namely conforming societal conventions would prioritize legalism whilst upholding personal values involved social contracts being upheld eg honoring promises made even if law doesn't require it hence separating domains clear categories allowed us decide priorities easier example acting truthfully might illegal but morally right thing do priority wise.(Turiel ). Albert Bandura's Theory Of Moral Development Through Social Learning Albert Bandura (1925-)was another American psychologist most famous formulating 'social learning theory'. According him early life experiences shape later behavior influencing behaviors via conditioning reward positive outcomes punishing negative ones orientation lead acquire respond appropriately situations encountered greater chance success fulfilling goals aspirations.(Bandura )Furthermore he argued primary factor driving moral internalization wasn't rewards punishments inflicted outside sources internally generated guilt shame resulting own misbehavior.  

" Choose Two Theories And Explain How They Are Similar "

Jean Piaget's & Lawrence Kohlberg's theories both posit that humans progress through distinct phases when developing ethics because they believe there exists cumulative logic behind our thought processes meaning we build upon past knowledge laying new foundation everytime thereby enabling complex ideas assimilate quicker future points reference. For instance both theorists agree set guidelines need established early life so individuals can learn distinguish right wrong eventually concept authority something uphold defend becomes firmly entrenched psyche. Similarly both theorize importance peer group plays role what acceptable unacceptable should strive achieve notable difference here kohlburg places much emphasis relies heavily group dynamics achieve certain desired behaviors whereas piagets primarily focused educating believing teachers serve guideposts helping students understand reprimanding bad behaviour etc. Choose Two Theories And Explain How They Differ From One Another A major distinction between Jean Piaget & Elliot Turiels approaches lies fact latter largely concerned types judgements children able make independent supervision adults .Moreover unlike former turiels suggests fundamental concepts fairness justice don't require direct instruction learn although may take longer master due amount raw data required absorb accurately .On other hand piaggets mainly focused childs response environment therefore ultimate goal ensure appropriate responses stimuli presented order ensure inevitable challenges faced adulthood aren't overwhelming emotionally mentally. Another key difference found albert banduras hypothesis specifically idea internalizing ideals good bad entirely product observing others reaction events opposed mere reward punish system employed kholburgg piaggits suggest shift power away arbitrary sets laws consequences instead dictate somebody ought base decisions off feedback received surrounding peers family members colleagues etc. Choose One Theory And Explain How It Aligns With A Biblical Worldview         When looking Jean Piaggets framework comes mind verse proverb 22:6 stating Start Children off Right Teach Them Early Life Principle Allowing Righteous Decisions Become Second Nature Later On Life Reflecting Idea Heteronomous Thinking Where Individual Evaluates Situations According External Authority Without Considering Whether Makes Sense Intuitively Not As Initially Stated Previous Section. Another scripture fits perfectly Lawrences Kholburg Philosophy Matthew 7:12 Do Unto Others You Would Have Them Do Unto You For Entire Basis Conventional Morality Stage Which Involves Conformity Societal Expectations Seeking Approval Respected Figures Within Society Suggestion Existing Equal Responsibilities Between Self Other People Regardless Who That Person Might Be Mirroring Mutuality Stage Mentioned Earlier Wholly Supports This Particular Teaching Dictates Thinking Beyond Immediate Interest Take Account Environment Surround Oneself In During Decision Making Processes Ultimately Acts Springboard Into Postconventional Level Kantian Universal Principles Represented Sixth Stage Essentially Establishes Solid Foundation Those Wishing Pursue Higher Callings Ethical Awareness Regarding Everyday Matters Concern Everyone Alike. Conclusion