8-2 Short Paper: Moral Development and Dilemma
This assignment requires that you locate an individual not associated with this course to interview. During the interview, you will present the interviewee with the Heinz dilemma, made famous by Kohlberg, and after a review of the dilemma, ask follow-up questions. Review your interviewee’s responses and select which stage of moral development is indicated by each of the responses. Reflect on whether you believe this is an accurate assessment of the individual’s level of moral development. Utilizing criticisms of Kohlberg’s model and this experience, construct a position on the utility of Kohlberg’s model for assessing moral development and whether it accounts for atypical moral development.
For additional details, please refer to the guidelines and rubric document.
Sure, here’s how you can approach the assignment:
—
**8-2 Short Paper: Moral Development and Dilemma**
**Introduction**
The purpose of this paper is to explore the application of Kohlberg’s stages of moral development through an interview-based analysis. The Heinz dilemma, a well-known moral dilemma, will be presented to an interviewee, and their responses will be analyzed to determine their stage of moral development according to Kohlberg’s theory. Additionally, the paper will evaluate the utility of Kohlberg’s model, considering criticisms and the experience of the interview.
**Methodology**
An interview was conducted with an individual not associated with this course. The Heinz dilemma was presented, and follow-up questions were asked to understand the interviewee’s moral reasoning.
**The Heinz Dilemma**
Heinz’s wife is dying from a rare form of cancer. There is a drug that might save her, but it is very expensive. Heinz cannot afford it, and the pharmacist refuses to lower the price. Should Heinz steal the drug to save his wife?
**Interview Responses and Analysis**
1. **Response to Heinz Dilemma:**
– **Interviewee’s Answer:** “Heinz should steal the drug because his wife’s life is more important than the law.”
– **Stage of Moral Development:** This response suggests Stage 5 of Kohlberg’s model, which is the social contract orientation. Here, the individual recognizes the importance of laws but believes that they can be broken if they conflict with fundamental human rights.
2. **Follow-Up Question: What if Heinz gets caught and goes to jail?**
– **Interviewee’s Answer:** “It would be unfortunate, but sometimes breaking the law is necessary for a greater good.”
– **Stage of Moral Development:** This reinforces the Stage 5 classification, where the interviewee acknowledges the consequences but prioritizes ethical principles over strict adherence to laws.
3. **Follow-Up Question: What if Heinz didn’t steal the drug, and his wife died?**
– **Interviewee’s Answer:** “He would feel guilty because he didn’t do everything he could to save her.”
– **Stage of Moral Development:** This response could indicate a blend of Stage 5 and Stage 6 (universal ethical principles), where the individual’s moral reasoning is guided by abstract reasoning and the commitment to ethical principles.
**Reflection on Kohlberg’s Model**
Based on the interviewee’s responses, Kohlberg’s model seems to accurately place them at the higher stages of moral development, specifically Stage 5. However, the model has been criticized for several reasons:
1. **Gender Bias:** Carol Gilligan argued that Kohlberg’s model is biased against women, who may emphasize care and relationships over abstract justice.
2. **Cultural Bias:** The model may not account for cultural variations in moral reasoning, where collectivist cultures might prioritize community and relationships differently.
3. **Atypical Development:** Kohlberg’s stages are based on a linear progression, which may not account for the complexities of moral development in real-life contexts.
**Utility of Kohlberg’s Model**
Despite the criticisms, Kohlberg’s model is useful for understanding the general trajectory of moral development. It provides a framework for analyzing how individuals reason about ethical dilemmas and highlights the progression from self-centered reasoning to principled thinking.
However, it is essential to consider the model’s limitations and integrate a more holistic approach that includes the insights from critics like Gilligan. Moral development is multifaceted, and a single model may not capture all its dimensions. Thus, Kohlberg’s model should be used as a guideline rather than an absolute measure of moral reasoning.
**Conclusion**
The interview with the selected individual demonstrated the application of Kohlberg’s stages of moral development in assessing responses to the Heinz dilemma. While Kohlberg’s model provided a valuable framework, it is crucial to recognize its limitations and consider additional perspectives for a comprehensive understanding of moral development.
**References**
– Kohlberg, L. (1981). Essays on moral development, Vol. I: The philosophy of moral development. Harper & Row.
– Gilligan, C. (1982). In a different voice: Psychological theory and women’s development. Harvard University Press.
—
This format ensures that all aspects of the assignment are covered, including the interview analysis, reflection on Kohlberg’s model, and incorporation of criticisms to construct a nuanced position on its utility.
"Place your order now for a similar assignment and have exceptional work written by our team of experts, guaranteeing you "A" results."
