Which of the following best describes Kohlberg’s conventional level of moral reasoning?
A) Rules should be obeyed based on the established from those in authority.
B Moral reasoning is based on the individual’s own independent judgments rather than on what others view as wrong or right.
C) Moral reasoning is based on perceptions of the likelihood of external rewards and punishments.
D) What is right is whatever agrees with the rules established by tradition and by authorities.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D) What is right is whatever agrees with the rules established by tradition and by authorities.
Kohlberg’s conventional level of moral reasoning involves moral decisions that are influenced by societal norms, laws, and the expectations of others. At this stage, individuals are primarily concerned with maintaining social order and gaining approval from others. They recognize the importance of rules and conventions in society but base their moral judgments on the desire to meet expectations or fulfill duties rather than on personal principles.
Kohlberg’s theory of moral development is divided into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. The conventional level, specifically, is divided into two stages:
- Stage 3 (Good boy/good girl orientation): At this stage, individuals make decisions based on what will gain the approval or disapproval of others. The desire to be seen as “good” and to please others is the motivating factor.
- Stage 4 (Law and order orientation): Individuals at this stage believe that laws and rules should be followed to maintain social order and prevent chaos. They see rules as being important to ensure fairness and functioning within society.
At the conventional level, moral reasoning is not based on abstract principles of justice or equality, which is characteristic of the post-conventional level. Instead, it is based on a desire to conform to the expectations of society or to fulfill one’s duties. People at this stage may obey laws, not necessarily because they believe in the inherent morality of those laws, but because it is their role or obligation as a member of society.
Thus, Kohlberg’s conventional level represents a shift from early self-centered moral decisions (seen in the pre-conventional level) to an awareness of others’ perspectives and societal expectations.