Kohlberg's theory has been criticized for underrepresenting which moral perspective?

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Multiple Choice

Kohlberg's theory has been criticized for underrepresenting which moral perspective?

Kohlberg’s framework centers on justice and rights as the main guides for moral reasoning, progressing from obedience to authorities to abstract universal principles. Critics, led by Carol Gilligan, argue that this emphasis sidelines an ethic of care—reasoning rooted in relationships, responsibility to others, and concrete caregiving in everyday life. Because Kohlberg’s stages prize justifications about fairness and universal rules, the care perspective isn’t represented as fully as it could be, making it the best answer. The other notions—laws or authority—are tied to rules and power within the justice framework rather than signaling a distinct, relational moral lens.

Kohlberg’s framework centers on justice and rights as the main guides for moral reasoning, progressing from obedience to authorities to abstract universal principles. Critics, led by Carol Gilligan, argue that this emphasis sidelines an ethic of care—reasoning rooted in relationships, responsibility to others, and concrete caregiving in everyday life. Because Kohlberg’s stages prize justifications about fairness and universal rules, the care perspective isn’t represented as fully as it could be, making it the best answer. The other notions—laws or authority—are tied to rules and power within the justice framework rather than signaling a distinct, relational moral lens.

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