O desenvolvimento moral nas perspectivas de Piaget, Kohlberg e Gilligan

Abstract

The present work aims to understand moral development from a cognitivedevelopmental perspective. It constitutes qualitative research carried out through bibliographic review. The study found that the cognitive-developmental focus has been, undoubtedly, the dominant approach in the study of moral development in recent decades. This perspective understands the moral development associated with cognitive components. Within this approach, we find two authors who exerted great influence on research on the development of morals: Jean Piaget (1896 - 1980) Lawrence Kohlberg (1927 - 1987). Both authors find broad empirical support. However, Kohlberg's theory has been questioned by Carol Gilligan (1936 – at present), a precursor to discussions about gender differences in the field of moral psychology. Despite not elaborating a theory with levels of moral development, the researcher developed the concept of care ethics. Gilligan suggests that Kohlberg's theory is not suitable for evaluating women, since women start from a structure of moral reasoning that prioritizes the care and well-being of others, defined as the ethics of care. We conclude that it is fundamental for the field of Pedagogy to discuss the development of morals within the approach studied because this knowledge can contribute to the intervention in pedagogical practice and the improvement of teacher training.