Which theory posits that moral development aims at equity?

Which theory posits that moral development aims at equity?

• A. Erikson's Psychosocial Theory
• B. Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development
• C. Piaget's Cognitive Theory
• D. Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that moral reasoning increasingly centers on fairness and universal principles. Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development argues that people move through stages of reasoning, ultimately basing judgments on principles of justice and rights that transcend specific rules or authorities. In the higher stages, actions are evaluated against equity and universal ethical standards, even when that requires challenging laws or conventions. This emphasis on fair treatment and consistent moral principles is what makes Kohlberg's theory the best fit for the idea that moral development aims at equity. Other theories describe different aspects of development: Erikson focuses on how social and emotional challenges across life shape identity and relationships; Piaget looks at how children's understanding of rules shifts from rigid, external enforcement to autonomous, reciprocal reasoning; Bandura highlights learning through observation, modeling, and self-regulation. None center on equity in the same explicit, principled way as Kohlberg.

The idea being tested is that moral reasoning increasingly centers on fairness and universal principles. Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development argues that people move through stages of reasoning, ultimately basing judgments on principles of justice and rights that transcend specific rules or authorities. In the higher stages, actions are evaluated against equity and universal ethical standards, even when that requires challenging laws or conventions. This emphasis on fair treatment and consistent moral principles is what makes Kohlberg's theory the best fit for the idea that moral development aims at equity.

Other theories describe different aspects of development: Erikson focuses on how social and emotional challenges across life shape identity and relationships; Piaget looks at how children's understanding of rules shifts from rigid, external enforcement to autonomous, reciprocal reasoning; Bandura highlights learning through observation, modeling, and self-regulation. None center on equity in the same explicit, principled way as Kohlberg.