Moral judgment competence: the main theoretical contributions of Piaget, Kohlberg, and Lind

Abstract

The theories presented in this chapter refer to the competence of moral judgment, while seeking the main contributions of the authors Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, and Georg Lind. The moral development in the Piagetian theory is presented, noting the role of education in the formation of the individual, also demonstrating the importance of educational action in the process of development and achievement of moral autonomy by human beings. North American author Lawrence Kohlberg proposes the basis of moral development of children, using Jean Piaget as reference, but expanded his research on moral reasoning, therefore pointing to the levels of moral development. Lind, on the other hand, defines moral competence as the ability to solve problems and conflicts only through deliberation and discussion, without using violence and fraud or submitting to an authority. As an effective method for promoting moral competence, the Konstanz Method of Dilemma Discussion was developed. It is also possible to verify the influence of educational methods in the development of moral competence of subjects submitted to moral measurement instruments, which provide important information for the understanding of moral levels and collaborate in the modification of the educational environment, especially defining if the educational process is favorable for the development of morality or not.