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Question

Arrange the following stages of moral development in sequence of their emergence as
individual grows up
(a) Morality of interpersonal cooperation
(b) Universal ethical principle orientation
(c) Social order maintaining orientation
(d) Instrumental purpose orientation
Choose the correct option:

The correct answer is

(d) $\rightarrow$ (a) $\rightarrow$ (c) $\rightarrow$ (b)

Moral Development Stages Sequence

The question asks to arrange specific stages of moral development, attributed to Lawrence Kohlberg, in the order they typically emerge as an individual matures.

Understanding Kohlberg's Stages

Kohlberg's theory outlines stages of moral reasoning grouped into three levels: Pre-conventional, Conventional, and Post-conventional.

  • Instrumental purpose orientation (d): This stage (Stage 2) falls under the Pre-conventional level. It focuses on self-interest and satisfying one's own needs, viewing actions based on whether they serve personal benefit (e.g., "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours").
  • Morality of interpersonal cooperation (a): This stage (Stage 3) is part of the Conventional level. It emphasizes conforming to the expectations of others and being seen as "good" or "nice" to gain approval.
  • Social order maintaining orientation (c): This stage (Stage 4), also in the Conventional level, focuses on obeying laws and maintaining social order. Respect for authority and adherence to rules are paramount.
  • Universal ethical principle orientation (b): This is the highest stage (Stage 6) in the Post-conventional level. It involves following self-chosen ethical principles and abstract concepts of justice and equality, even if they conflict with laws.

Sequencing the Stages

Arranging these stages chronologically based on typical development:

  1. Stage 2 (d) Instrumental purpose orientation: Emerges earliest, focusing on self-interest.
  2. Stage 3 (a) Morality of interpersonal cooperation: Follows Stage 2, emphasizing social approval.
  3. Stage 4 (c) Social order maintaining orientation: Develops after Stage 3, focusing on rules and societal structure.
  4. Stage 6 (b) Universal ethical principle orientation: Represents the highest level of moral reasoning, emerging last among these options.

Therefore, the correct sequence is:

(d) $\rightarrow$ (a) $\rightarrow$ (c) $\rightarrow$ (b)

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Important Questions from Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

  1. Match List - I with List - II.​

    List - IList - II
    (A) Obedience Orientation(I) Moral reasoning based on winning the approval of others
    (B) Interpersonal norms(II) Moral reasoning based on moral principles that apply to all
    (C) Social contract(III) Moral reasoning based on the belief that adults know what is right or wrong
    (D) Universal ethical principles (IV) Moral reasoning is based on the belief that laws are for the good of all members of society
  2. Arrange in accordance with Kohlberg’s stages of moral understanding.
    I. Instrumental purpose orientation.
    II. Punishment and obedience orientation.
    III. Social-order-maintaining orientation.
    IV. Good boy-good girl orientation.
    Codes :
  3. According to Kohlberg, ________ and ________ are the major reasons of moral behaviour during the stage of conventional morality
  4. Match the following stages of Kohlberg's moral development theory with their characteristics :

    Moral StagesCharacteristics
    (a) Conforming obtain reward(i) Getting the approval of others
    (b) Maintaining social order(ii) Stage based on self- interest
    (c) Good interpersonal relationships(iii) Eternal value accepted by conscience
    (d) Universal ethical principles(iv) Importance of justice and law

    Choose the correct code:

  5. At which stage of Lawrence Köhlberg's moral development are individuals' judgements based on principles of justice and not limited to those defined by the societal laws ?
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