Final answer:
Judson's point of view on crime and punishment in "Ruthless" aligns with pre-conventional moral development, while Marcia's aligns with conventional moral development according to Lawrence Kohlberg's theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story "Ruthless," the characters Judson and Marcia have differing points of view on crime and punishment. Judson's perspective best aligns with pre-conventional moral development, which is characterized by a focus on self-interest and avoiding punishment. On the other hand, Marcia's stance corresponds to a higher level of moral reasoning, specifically the conventional level, where the focus shifts to upholding laws and social norms for the good of society as a whole.
Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development outlines these levels. The pre-conventional level is typical of children and consists of stages where moral reasoning is based on avoiding punishment and seeking rewards. The conventional level is common in adolescence and adulthood, where morality is defined by societal rules and laws. The highest level, the post-conventional level, consists of stages where individuals make judgments based on universal ethical principles, even if they conflict with laws and rules.
Overall, Kohlberg's model serves to explain the progression of moral reasoning and provides insight into how individuals like Judson and Marcia may differ in their views on morals and ethics related to crime and punishment.