Theories Of Moral Autonomy

Moral Autonomy is mainly based on the psychology of moral development. The first psychological theory was developed by Jean Piaget. On the basis of Piaget’s theory, Lawrence Kohlberg has also developed three main levels of moral development which is based on the types of logic and motivation adopted by individuals related to moral questions.

2.7.1 The Pre Conventional Level

It is known as self-centered attitude. In this level, right conduct is very important for an individual which directly benefits himself. According to this level, individuals are motivated by their willingness to avoid punishment, or by their desire to satisfy their own needs or by the pressure of the power exercised by them. This level is related to the moral development

These individuals are called “autonomous”, because they only think for themselves and also they do not agree that customs are always correct. They want to live by general principles which are universally applied to all people. They always want to sustain their moral integrity, self-respect and the respect for other autonomous peoples.

Kohlberg’s theory of moral development is very much related to the goals of studying ethics at graduation level. To become morally accountable, an individual must be capable and willing to feel with moral reasoning. Moral responsibility comes out of the basis of early moral training given by an individual’s parents and culture. This early training helps to complete the above three levels of moral development by an

2.8 GILLIGAN’S THEORY

Caorl Gilligan was one of the students of Kohlberg. She criticizes Kohlberg’s theory on the basis of assumption made by both genders (male and female) towards morality. On the basis of her studies and researches, she criticizes Kohlberg’s theory which is only based on male prejudice and his studies are of typically male dominant with general rules and rights.

She recommends that men are always more interested in resolving moral dilemmas by applying most important moral set of laws. But women always want to keep the personal relationship primary with all those involved in a situation and they always give consideration only on the conditions responsible for that serious condition and not on general moral rules.

She also utters that Kohlberg’s theory is only on the basis of ethics of moral rules and responsibilities. But her theory is known as ethics of concern i.e. context oriented emphasis required to maintain the personal relationship.

Levels of Moral Development

Gilligan recasts Kohlberg’s three levels of moral development on the basis of her own studies of women, as