Question
APPLICATION OF KOHLBERG'S STAGES OF MORALITY For each of the following, select the appropriate stages according to Kohlberg's theory of moral development and state why you selected that stage. a) Tim sets up a recycling program at school because he cares about the environment. b) Anna plays cards because everyone else does. c) Pat stops talking because Ms. Medeiros asks her to d) Sandra is working with physically disabled people because she is concerned with their welfare and wants her peers to be exposed to these people. e) Mike comes to class out of uniform because his best friend got in a fight during lunch and as his clothes were all torn, Mike lent his. f) Tenth-grader Rob drinks beer at the party because everyone else is doing it.
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Answer
**a) Tim sets up a recycling program at school because he cares about the environment.**<br /><br />* **Stage:** Postconventional, Stage 5 (Social Contract Orientation) or Stage 6 (Universal Ethical Principle Orientation)<br />* **Reasoning:** Tim's actions are driven by an internalized understanding of ethical principles and a concern for the greater good, extending beyond immediate personal gain or adherence to existing rules. He recognizes the importance of environmental protection as a shared responsibility and acts proactively to contribute to a sustainable future. Whether it's Stage 5 or 6 depends on whether he sees recycling as a social agreement beneficial to all (5) or a universal moral imperative regardless of societal views (6). The information provided doesn't give enough detail to distinguish between the two.<br /><br />**b) Anna plays cards because everyone else does.**<br /><br />* **Stage:** Conventional, Stage 3 (Good Interpersonal Relationships)<br />* **Reasoning:** Anna's motivation stems from a desire for social acceptance and conformity within her peer group. She wants to fit in and be seen as "good" by others.<br /><br />**c) Pat stops talking because Ms. Medeiros asks her to.**<br /><br />* **Stage:** Preconventional, Stage 1 (Obedience and Punishment Orientation)<br />* **Reasoning:** Pat obeys Ms. Medeiros to avoid punishment. Her focus is on the direct consequences of her actions and avoiding negative repercussions from an authority figure.<br /><br />**d) Sandra is working with physically disabled people because she is concerned with their welfare and wants her peers to be exposed to these people.**<br /><br />* **Stage:** Postconventional, Stage 5 (Social Contract Orientation) or Stage 6 (Universal Ethical Principle Orientation)<br />* **Reasoning:** Similar to Tim's example, Sandra demonstrates a concern for the welfare of others and a desire to promote social justice and understanding. She recognizes the value and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Whether it's Stage 5 or 6 depends on whether she sees helping the disabled and educating her peers as a social responsibility (5) or a universal ethical principle of human dignity (6).<br /><br />**e) Mike comes to class out of uniform because his best friend got in a fight during lunch and as his clothes were all torn, Mike lent his.**<br /><br />* **Stage:** Postconventional, Stage 6 (Universal Ethical Principle Orientation) or possibly Conventional Stage 3 (Good Interpersonal Relationships)<br />* **Reasoning:** Mike's actions demonstrate a strong sense of empathy and loyalty to his friend. He prioritizes his friend's well-being and emotional needs over adherence to school rules. This could be interpreted as acting on a universal principle of compassion and caring (Stage 6). However, if his primary motivation is maintaining his friendship and being seen as a "good friend" by his peers, it could be Stage 3. More context is needed to determine the most accurate stage.<br /><br />**f) Tenth-grader Rob drinks beer at the party because everyone else is doing it.**<br /><br />* **Stage:** Conventional, Stage 3 (Good Interpersonal Relationships)<br />* **Reasoning:** Rob's decision to drink is driven by social pressure and a desire to fit in with his peer group. He seeks acceptance and avoids being seen as different or "out of the loop."<br />
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