Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Full Answer Section If I were in Heinz's place, I would steal the drug. I believe that saving a human life is more important than following the law. I would also consider the fact that the druggist is not being reasonable by refusing to sell the drug to Heinz for a lower price. Kohlberg would likely consider my response to be at the post-conventional level of moral development. This is the highest level of moral development, and it is characterized by a focus on universal principles of justice and fairness. People at this level of moral development are willing to break the law if they believe that it is the right thing to do. There are other responses to the Heinz dilemma that Kohlberg would consider "more moral". For example, Heinz could try to appeal to the druggist's sense of compassion. He could also try to find a way to get the drug for free, such as through a charitable organization. I understand why Kohlberg would consider these responses to be "more moral". They are all based on a desire to do good and to help others. However, I believe that my response is also moral, because it is based on a desire to save a human life. I do think that Kohlberg's "Heinz dilemma" is a good measure of one's morality. It is a complex dilemma that forces people to think about the different factors involved in a moral decision. It also allows people to express their own moral values and principles. However, it is important to remember that the Heinz dilemma is just one example of a moral dilemma. There are many other types of moral dilemmas, and each one will require a different response. It is also important to remember that people's moral development is not static. It can change over time, as people gain new experiences and learn new things.

Sample Answer

The Heinz dilemma is a thought experiment in ethics and moral development proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg. It is often used to assess how people reason about moral dilemmas.

In the dilemma, Heinz's wife is dying of cancer. The only drug that can save her is very expensive, and Heinz cannot afford it. The druggist who has the drug refuses to sell it to Heinz for a lower price, even though he knows that Heinz's wife will die without it.

Heinz is faced with a difficult decision: should he steal the drug to save his wife's life?