ETHICAL REASONING
When we are attempting to resolve an ethical dilemma,
we follow a process of ethical reasoning. We
look at the information available to us and draw conclusions
based on that information in relation to our
own ethical standards. Lawrence Kohlberg developed
a framework (see Figure 1.1) that presents the argument that we develop a reasoning process over time,
moving through six distinct stages (classified into
three levels of moral development) as we are exposed
to major influences in our lives.4
Level 1: presentation. At this lowest level of
moral development, a person’s response to a perception
of right and wrong is initially directly linked to
the expectation of punishment or reward.
• Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation.
A person is focused on avoidance of punishment
and deference to power and authority—that is,
something is right or wrong because a recognized
authority figure says it is.
• Stage 2: Individualism, instrumental-ism, and
exchange. As a more organized and advanced
form of stage 1, a person is focused on satisfying
his or her own needs—that is, something is right
or wrong because it helps the person get what he
or she wants or needs.