STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Tommy, a 2 year old boy, is in a supermarket with his mother. They are standing in a long check out line with a number of people around you. He starts crying and yelling. People are looking at them. What will his mother do to make him be “good”?

STAGE ONE

Reward and Punishment

1-3 years old See good and bad in terms of reward

and punishment Even adults will only be “good”

sometimes for a reward or threat

Now Tommy is a student in the second grade. Cookies are no longer given for good behavior. What makes him do his best? What does the teacher do to encourage Tommy to do “good”?

STAGE TWO

Me First

5-11 years old What suits their personal needs Gives me a degree of self satisfaction Selfish one “Reverse Golden Rule” You do not get a tangible reward, but

you do get a self esteem booster

Now Tommy is in high school. Stickers may work; however, why do you think he will now do “good”? Likewise how may he decide the bad?

STAGE THREE

Pleasing to Others

Ages 12-17 What pleases or displeases others “Everybody else does it.” Many adults remain in this stage

Tommy is now 18. What makes him do what is the “good” and not shoplift, not speed, wear his seat belt?

STAGE FOUR

It’s the Law

18-?? We fear the consequences of the law,

thus we behave. If something is legally right than it is

morally right as well. Can translate into any group in society,

such as religion.

Tommy is a high school senior. The freshman are collecting food for St. Martin’s Food Pantry. The sophomore’s are collecting supplies for the Hurricane Katrina victims. The pro-life club is collecting baby clothing for mothers. What does Tommy do?

STAGE FIVE

Society’s Benefit

Can be children to adults Recognize others are hurt want to help Do not act for reward, because of

punishment or law What is right is what society’s

constitution guarantees and upholds. Upholds the standards for all of society

Tommy sees a homeless man outside of the store. He buys something extra and gives it to him. Why?

STAGE 6

It’s the Principle

Can be children to adults Principles such as honesty, life,

forgiveness, equality, justice etc. are very important in this person’s life.

Based on universal ethical principles Willing to stand up for what they believe

to right in principle

Comments about cheating on a test Amanda says, “I cheat and never get

caught.” Thalia says, “Cheating hurts the whole

group, because the teacher then thinks that our whole group was copying.”

Trisha says, “Cheating is wrong, it is against commandment number 7.”

Ashley says, Cheating isn’t wrong, after all, everyone does it, so why don’t you.”

Shakyra says, “You have to think of yourself first, after all if you don’t pass the test, you won’t be able to graduate and will probably get grounded.”

Janelle says, “Cheating is wrong, it is dishonest, so it is wrong.”

Reasons to go on the walk a thon

The people at Thorpe Residence and many others will benefit from the donations.

I will get 5 hours of service toward my requirement for graduation.

All my friends are going and after we are going to the movies.

Sr. Eileen said she is going to call the newspapers and I may get my picture in the paper.

I have a ten hour requirement of service in order to graduate, so this will give me 5 hours.

God has given me so many blessings, it is just that I give something back.

Sr. Eileen is going to give us each a t-shirt.

All the really cool girls go on the walk a thon.

It makes me feel good.