Discussion:
Moral development theories
Jane has been relentlessly asking her parents for a new toy she saw on television. Many of her friends' parents have already purchased the toy for their children. Jane has told her parents this and explained to them how cool the toy is. Her parents, however, have told Jane they cannot afford the toy. One weekend, Jane is at the mall with her friend's parent. While she is there, she notices something fall out of the pocket of the person in front of her. She quickly picks it up and realizes no one appears to have noticed. It's a $20 dollar bill! She knows she can afford the toy she wants if she keeps the money. Should she tell her friend's parent that her mom gave her the money to purchase the toy or should she give the money back?
Questions:
1. Briefly describe at least two moral development theories of Kohlberg, Gilligan, and/or Haidt.
2. Explain how each of the two theories you selected would address the moral dilemma presented in the scenario.
3. Based on the theories, explain how a child (Jane) might decide what to do with the money found in the moral dilemma. Be sure to include the effects that age and culture might have on her decision.