Question

Sebastian, who is 6, walks into the kitchen and sees that his mother has left cookies out on the table as a snack for him and his brother, Benjamin. They are chocolate chip. Sebastian's favorite kind. He briefly thinks that if he took all four cookies Benjamin would never know. Then he remembers that the last time he did that he had to sit in time out for an hour while Benjamin got to play in the pool with their dad. Sebastian decides to take only two of the cookies. Which stage in Kohlberg's theory is Sebastian in?

a. conventional moral reasoning
b. autonomous morality
c. preconventional moral reasoning
d. heteronomous morality

Answer 1

Sebastian is in the preconventional stage of moral development, specifically experiencing heteronomous morality, as his decision is based on avoiding punishment rather than on societal norms or ethical principles.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario provided, Sebastian demonstrates a level of moral reasoning known as heteronomous morality, which is part of Kohlberg's preconventional stage of moral development. This stage is typical for children before the age of 9, as they base their moral decisions on the consequences of their actions, such as receiving punishment or rewards, rather than on societal norms or higher ethical principles.

Therefore, Sebastian's decision to take only two cookies, influenced by his desire to avoid a negative consequence (time out) rather than an understanding of fairness or societal rules, supports the conclusion that he is operating within the preconventional stage of moral development, specifically heteronomous morality.