There are many shades of gray within the scope of ethics; the wisdom lies in where one draws the line (Professional Ethics, 2003). .
Lawrence Kohlberg was a professor at Harvard University and he became famous for his work on theory of moral development in 1970. In Mr. Kohlberg's Theory, the first level of moral thinking is found at the elementary school level. At this level, people behave according to socially acceptable norms because they are told to do so by some authority figure (e.g., parent or teacher). Additionally, this level is characterized by a view that right behavior means acting in one's own best interests. As a child grows there are stages that they go through until adulthood, these stages shape a child's ethical and moral standards and views. These are learned from the adults who parent, mentor, and teach them as they grow. .
Mr. Kohlberg's felt that most adults stayed at stage 2, which dealt with abiding by the laws. Although there are 6 stages, Kohlberg felt 3-5 were not reached by the majority of adults. Stage 5 is an understanding of social mutuality and a genuine interest in the welfare of others. This stage deals with individuals whom place themselves in others shoes and has empathy for the other person when making an ethical decision. The last stage is based on respect for universal principle and the demands of individual conscience. Kohlberg believed that individuals could only progress through these stages one stage at a time. They could only come to a comprehension of a moral rationale one stage above their own (Professional Ethics, 2003).
Kohlberg's theories in my opinion are worth delving into and understanding. His theory has shaped the way I choose to teach morals and ethics to my children. Hoping that they will develop to level 5 as adults. In teaching children to think for themselves and learn from their mistakes I feel we create a better world, a world of empathy and understanding.
