(b) Explain Kohlberg’s three levels of moral development and identify the levels of moral

Question

(b) Explain Kohlberg’s three levels of moral development and identify the levels of moral development

demonstrated by the contributions of Gary Howells, Vanda Monroe and Martin Chan. (12 marks)

Answer 1

正确答案：
(b) Kohlberg’s levels of moral development
Description of levels
Kohlberg described human moral development in terms of three consecutive levels.
Preconventional moral responses view morality in terms of rewards, punishments and whether or not the act will be
penalised, found out or rewarded.
Conventional moral responses view morality in terms of compliance with the agreed legal and regulatory frameworks relevant
at the time and place in which the decision is taking place.
Postconventional responses go beyond the other two and frame. morality in terms of the effects of the action on oneself and
others, on how it will affect one’s own moral approach and how it will accord with wider systems of ethics and social norms.
Three people in the case
The three people mentioned in the case exhibit different levels of moral development.
Gary Howells is demonstrating the preconventional in that he sees the decision to disclose or not in terms of whether WM
can get away with it. He was inclined to conceal the information because of the potential impact on the company’s share
price on the stock market. His suggestion was underpinned by his belief that the concealment of the incorrect valuation would
not be ‘found out’.
Vanda Monroe demonstrates conventional behaviour, reminding the WM board of its legal and regulatory obligations under
the rules of its stock market listing. In particular, she reminded the board about the importance of the company’s compliance
with corporate governance and ethics codes by the stock market. To fail to disclose would, in Vanda’s view, be a breach of
those stock market expectations. Rather than rewards and punishments, Vanda was more concerned with compliance with
rules and regulations.
Martin Chan is demonstrating postconventional morality by referring to consistency of treatment and the notion of ‘do as you
would be done by’. He said that he wouldn’t want to be deceived if he were an outside investor in the company. His response
was underpinned neither by rewards or punishments, nor by compliance with regulations, but rather than a persuasion that
moral behaviour is about doing what one believes to be right, regardless of any other factors.