Question

read the following scenario and answer the question that follows.
after watching the morning news, roommates kelly and rob argued about whether or not a man on trial should have been sentenced to prison for robbing goods and giving to those on welfare. rob argued that the man should not have been convicted because he broke the law for a good cause while kelly argued that the man should be convicted because it is against the law to steal so the mans behavior was wrong.
based on lawrence kohlbergs theory of moral reasoning which of the following statements would kohlberg agree with?
a. kelly is at a higher level of moral reasoning than rob.
b. rob is at a higher level of moral reasoning than kelly.
c. rob and kelly are at the same level of moral reasoning.
d. rob has more knowledge than kelly concerning criminal behavior.

Explanation:

Analyze the moral reasoning of Rob and Kelly

Rob argues that the man should not be convicted because he broke the law for a good cause (helping those on welfare). This reflects postconventional moral reasoning (specifically Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights), where ethical principles and human rights transcend literal laws.

Kelly argues that the man should be convicted because stealing is against the law, so his behavior was wrong. This reflects conventional moral reasoning (specifically Stage 4: Law and Order), where morality is defined by strict adherence to laws, rules, and social order.

Compare their levels of moral reasoning

According to Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development:

• Conventional level (Kelly's reasoning) is the second level.
• Postconventional level (Rob's reasoning) is the third and highest level.

Therefore, Rob is at a higher level of moral reasoning than Kelly.

Match with the correct option

Option B states: "Rob is at a higher level of moral reasoning than Kelly." This directly aligns with Kohlberg's theory.

Answer:

• (A) Kelly is at a higher level of moral reasoning than Rob.
• (B) Rob is at a higher level of moral reasoning than Kelly. (Correct answer)
• (C) Rob and Kelly are at the same level of moral reasoning.
• (D) Rob has more knowledge than Kelly concerning criminal behavior.