Describe a moral dilemma that you’ve been faced with in the past.
Which level and stage(s) of Kohlberg's theory do you believe you were working from to resolve the dilemma? Explain how you reached this conclusion (be sure to include your resolution).
Describe how you might have resolved the dilemma if you had been operating from other levels and stages of moral reasoning.
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One moral dilemma that I have faced in the past was the question of whether to cheat on a test or not. I was in high school at the time and was faced with the pressure of performing well academically. However, I knew that cheating was not the right thing to do.
Based on Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning, I believe I was operating from the conventional level, specifically the stage of interpersonal conformity. At this stage, individuals make moral judgments based on the expectations of society and authority figures.
I reached this conclusion because my decision not to cheat was based on the fear of getting caught, disappointing my parents and teachers, and facing consequences such as failing the test or losing the trust of others. My resolution was to study harder and accept the fact that doing my best honestly was more important than obtaining a high grade through dishonest means.
If I had been operating from other levels and stages of moral reasoning, my resolution might have been different. For example, if I had been at the pre-conventional level, specifically the stage of instrumental relativist orientation, I might have chosen to cheat because it would have served my self-interest and helped me achieve my desired outcome. I would have disregarded the moral implications and focused solely on the potential benefits.
On the other hand, if I were at the post-conventional level, particularly the stage of social contract orientation, my resolution might have been to openly discuss the dilemma with the teacher or seek alternatives such as asking for extra help or requesting a retest. I would have considered the broader societal implications and attempted to find a solution that followed ethical principles while still meeting my academic goals.
In conclusion, my moral dilemma of whether to cheat on a test was resolved from the perspective of interpersonal conformity at the conventional level of moral reasoning. I recognized the expectations and rules set by society and authority figures, leading me to conclude that cheating was not the right course of action.
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