Moral Decision and Moral Development

Deborah Kraus, Colby College

Abstract

A preliminary look at ethical theory exposed philosophical stands on the issues that were to be considered in a psychological sense later. Establishing the study of morality, by both defining its parameters and rejecting alternaiive theories serves as a lengthy introduction to psychological theory, one that is considered necessary for well grounded psychological conclusion. A search through the psychological literature exposed a set of elements that needed to be considered when discussing Moral Development. The classic relationships between these elements is analysed, and a new theoretical synthesis is achieved that attempts to take all relevant factors into account. This model is illustrated and discussed in detail, serving as a conclusion to our study.