The role of logic in moral reasoning and development.

Abstract

The frequently examined hypothesis proposed by Kohlberg that logical development is a necessary but insufficient condition of moral development is examined in cross-age analyses of approximately 225 adolescents and adults, aged 16 to SO years. Two kinds of moral scores-one representing Kohlberg's system and the other, an interactional formulation-and three scores of formal operations based on Piagetian tasks are used. To explicate the logical/moral relation, controls for age, socioeconomic status, IQ, or educational levels were applied to correlational analyses within sex groups. Also, a sex-differentiated "structural" analysis was done. Neither set of results was consistent with Kohlberg's hypothesis.A classic controversy among moral philosophers concerning the position and role of logic in morality is now before psychologists. Ultimately at stake is the true essence of morality. This study was planned to illuminate this issue empirically by comparing two moral formulations that have different positions with respect to logic,

Experiential and Cognitive Sources of Moral Development in Adulthood

“…Examination of the pattern of decalage between cognitive and moral development reveals a further finding similar to that re ported by Haan et al [1982], Of the men, only 10 of 24 (41.7%) evidenced lower moral than cognitive development. More of the women, 27 of 38 (71.1 %), however, evi denced the same pattern.…”

“…Further, this hypothesized cognitive-moral link has not met with universal acceptance (nor has Kohlberg's definition of morality with its rational istic emphasis). Haan et al [1982] recently argued against a cognitive basis for moral rea soning. They concluded from a reanalysis of Kuhn et al's [ 1977] data that cognitive devel opment does not 'gate' moral development, particularly that of women; nor is it 'contin uously required' for moral performance.…”

Moral Judgment, Religious Judgment, World View and Logical Thought: A Review of Their Relationship Part Two

“…The situation is more debatable concerning PL We share the suspicion of Haan et al (1982), Krebs and Gilhnore (1982), and others that classical Piagetian formal operations may not be the best precondition for attaining higher moral (and religious) stages (cf. Fowler 1981 for religious stages; cf.…”

“…As usually only few subjects are found to be at the higher MJ stages and even less at the corresponding RJ stages, there are rather few data. Those of Haan et al (1982) have already been discussed on p. 174. Support thus rests mainly on the qualitative stage descriptions.…”

“…In their own study Haan et al (1982) found notably that, first, only the assignment of logical stage on the basis of a correlation task (as distinct e.g. from the pendulum task) retained systematic associations with moral levels, and second, such associations were in the minority in a group of fifty-year-olds (mostly at MJ stages 4 and 5).…”