STAGES OF MORAL JUDGEMENT
What is moral judgement?
Moral judgement refers to the level of care and concern given to the needs, feelings and rights of others when making decisions.
What do we mean by “stages of moral development”?
Just as our bodies grow, we should all grow in our ability to make decisions that take into consideration the needs, feelings and rights of others, otherwise known as empathy.
Stage 1: Power – “Might Makes Right”
You believe that if you are big or powerful whatever you say is right, whatever you want to do is ok and whatever you want to get is fair.
Stage 2: Deal – “You Scratch My Back, I’ll Scratch Yours”
You value relationships based only on an exchange of favours… “Since I did this for you, you’d better do that for me.”
Stage 3: Mutuality – “Treat Others as You Would Hope They Would Treat You”
You consider the relationship important because it is based on mutual respect, trust, and caring; the relationship is not based on what the other person can give you or do for you. You care about other people without expecting anything in return because you value the relationship.
Stage 4: Systems - “Are You Contributing To Society?”
Moral judgement refers to the level of care and concern given to the needs, feelings and rights of others when making decisions.
What do we mean by “stages of moral development”?
Just as our bodies grow, we should all grow in our ability to make decisions that take into consideration the needs, feelings and rights of others, otherwise known as empathy.
Stage 1: Power – “Might Makes Right”
You believe that if you are big or powerful whatever you say is right, whatever you want to do is ok and whatever you want to get is fair.
Stage 2: Deal – “You Scratch My Back, I’ll Scratch Yours”
You value relationships based only on an exchange of favours… “Since I did this for you, you’d better do that for me.”
Stage 3: Mutuality – “Treat Others as You Would Hope They Would Treat You”
You consider the relationship important because it is based on mutual respect, trust, and caring; the relationship is not based on what the other person can give you or do for you. You care about other people without expecting anything in return because you value the relationship.
- You try to understand the needs and feelings of others.
- You care about other people, you trust them, and can feel part of a “we.”
- You try to make a good impression so others understand that you are a well-intentioned person and you think well of yourself.
- You value human life.
Stage 4: Systems - “Are You Contributing To Society?”
- You develop interdependence and cooperation for the good of society. You recognize that society can’t make it if people don’t respect others’ rights and follow through on their responsibilities.
- You honour your commitments; this is a sign of character.