Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Most moral philosophers and psychologists have missed something crucial in the work of Lawrence Kohlberg (1927 87), best known for his theory of stages of moral development. In Following Kohlberg: Liberalism and the Practice of Democratic Community, Donald R.C. Reed clearly illustrates how the Kohlbergian project has much to offer the crucial debate about moral psychology and how to revivify our society's jaded sense of fairness and responsibility. Psychologists, philosophers, theologians, educators, and therapists will find here a comprehensive guide to Kohlberg's life work, a clear presentation of both theory and practice, and an understanding of moral maturity which encompasses both justice and responsiveness. All who care about nurturing and preserving a democratic community are well-advised to read this book.
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Synopsis
Kohlberg's critics have maintained that his theory of moral development rests on the existence of moral stages. The critics (including myself) argue that stages don't exist and thus that Kohlberg's theory is false. Donald R.C. Reed's fine book will put a stop to this sort of dismissive argument. Reed provides a careful reading of Kohlberg's corpus and shows how his concerns with justice, fairness, democratic community, and moral education can be appreciated independently of the status of moral stage theory. A fine and careful study.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 261-274) and index.