Final answer:
Lawrence Kohlberg developed the stage theory of moral development based on ethical dilemma reasoning. His theory, comprising pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional levels, has been critiqued by Carol Gilligan for potential gender bias, suggesting that women have a different perspective on moral reasoning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage theory of moral development that is based on how people reasoned about ethical dilemmas was developed by Lawrence Kohlberg. Kohlberg's theory includes three levels of moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. This theory has been influential but has also faced criticism, particularly from Carol Gilligan, who argued that Kohlberg's research, which focused on male subjects, might show gender bias and not accurately represent moral development in women. Gilligan suggested that men and women might reason differently about moral issues, with women placing more emphasis on care and responsibility in interpersonal relationships.
Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development and Gender:
In response to how this theory applies to people of different genders, Kohlberg originally posited that more men than women appear to move past the conventional stage four in their moral development, making a controversial suggestion about gender differences in moral reasoning capabilities. His research assistant, Carol Gilligan, further expanded on the debate surrounding gender differences in moral development when she challenged Kohlberg's conclusions based on his male-focused research, proposing that women are not deficient in moral reasoning but simply have a different perspective.