Moral Development

Definition

Moral development refers to the process through which individuals learn to distinguish right from wrong and develop ethical principles that guide their behavior. This development involves a progression of stages where individuals’ understanding of morality evolves, often influenced by their social experiences, education, and cultural contexts. In the context of educational philosophy, moral development is crucial for fostering responsible citizens who can contribute positively to society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Moral development was famously articulated by Lawrence Kohlberg, who proposed a theory consisting of six stages grouped into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional morality.
2. The Ancient Greeks placed significant emphasis on moral education, viewing it as essential for cultivating virtuous citizens who could contribute to the common good.
3. Plato believed that moral development was linked to knowledge, asserting that understanding the 'Good' would lead individuals to act ethically.
4. Aristotle emphasized the importance of habit in moral development, arguing that virtue is developed through practice and the cultivation of good character traits over time.
5. Roman philosophers such as Cicero stressed the idea of natural law, suggesting that moral principles are inherent in nature and can be discovered through reason.

Review Questions

• How did Ancient Greek philosophers contribute to our understanding of moral development?
  • Ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle significantly shaped our understanding of moral development. Plato connected morality with knowledge, suggesting that true understanding of the Good leads to ethical behavior. Aristotle focused on the cultivation of virtues through habitual practice, emphasizing that moral character is developed over time. Both philosophers established foundational ideas about ethics that continue to influence contemporary discussions on moral education.
• Discuss the relevance of character education in relation to moral development as understood in Ancient Roman thought.
  • Character education aligns closely with the moral development theories articulated by Ancient Roman thinkers such as Cicero. Cicero believed in the concept of natural law, which posited that there are inherent moral principles discoverable through reason. Character education seeks to instill these values in students, promoting ethical behavior and responsible citizenship. This connection highlights how historical perspectives on morality inform modern educational practices aimed at fostering good character.
• Evaluate how Kohlberg's stages of moral development relate to the philosophies of Ancient Greece and Rome.
  • Kohlberg's stages of moral development can be evaluated through the lens of Ancient Greek and Roman philosophies by examining how they both emphasize the progression toward higher levels of ethical understanding. Kohlberg's theory, which progresses from self-interest to societal norms and finally to universal ethical principles, mirrors Plato's belief in knowledge leading to goodness and Aristotle's notion of virtue being cultivated through habit. Additionally, Cicero’s ideas about natural law echo the final stages of Kohlberg's model where universal principles guide moral reasoning. This historical context provides depth to our understanding of moral growth as an essential component of education.

Related terms

Ethics: A branch of philosophy that deals with questions about what is morally right and wrong, guiding principles for human behavior.

Character Education: An educational movement that focuses on teaching students core ethical values and promoting positive character traits such as honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Socialization: The lifelong process through which individuals acquire the norms, values, and behaviors appropriate to their culture and society.