Stages of moral development explains why its pointless to use certain arguments or debate with some people (rating, program)

[Don Draper]

Moral Development - Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Theory of moral development states there are 6 stages to moral development, each one is unique.

If a person is at one stage, they can't comprehend the next stage, so arguments which make perfect sense to someone at one stage will not resonate with others in another stage.

I think this is one reason why it's frustrating for many when they debate and why it's pointless in many case.

Which level are you at?


Stage 1 - Obedience and Punishment
Stage 2 - Individualism and Exchange
Stage 3 - Interpersonal Relationships
Stage 4 - Maintaining Social Order
Stage 5 - Social Contract and Individual Rights
Stage 6 - Universal Principles

[Harrier]

Harrier is at stage 6.

[Don Draper]

Originally Posted by Harrier

Harrier is at stage 6.

You sure about that? You can't be at stage 6 if you haven't gotten to stage 5

Stage 5 - Social Contract and Individual Rights

At this stage, people begin to account for the differing values, opinions and beliefs of other people. Rules of law are important for maintaining a society, but members of the society should agree upon these standards.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by Don Draper

You sure about that?

Yes.

Harrier spent a few minutes considering the definition of each stage, and quite satisfied with the accuracy of his conclusion that he is at stage 6.

[stan4]

I am between 4 and 5.

6 just sounds like a cop out so you don't have to consider the feelings of others.

[Ceece]

I can't tell exactly where I am on that list. I only know I'm right...lol

[Gtownoe]

Great post and topic.

[Oldhag1]

Originally Posted by Ceece

I can't tell exactly where I am on that list. I only know I'm right...lol

Best response! And probably the most accurate for all of us.

[Ceist]

Originally Posted by Harrier

Yes.

Harrier spent a few minutes considering the definition of each stage, and quite satisfied with the accuracy of his conclusion that he is at stage 6.

I'll let Harrier's words answer Harrier's claim:

Originally Posted by Harrier

Assumes facts that are not in evidence.

[That Smell]

What would Stage 7 entail?

Level 4:

Stage 7 - The End Game

Please see the film, A Clockwork Orange.

I'm at zen on these stages. I've heard too many old dead Europeans' ideas be used for tacky, dangerous ideals by adherents who have become lost in their schematas. Besides, Americans debating en masse would literally come down to the lowest common denominator: gunshots and earnest ballot drops. Hardly 3 steps in a 12-step program meant to make people understand or comply.

This orderly Swiss guy (and so many other Eurocentric, Christianity-steeped ruminaters) would have run a mean train schedule, tho'.