Dilemma of post conventional morality reversal.

          Picture: courtesy Yogita Chaudhuri 

Understanding the "dilemma of post-conventional morality reversal" requires a nuanced look at Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development and the complexities inherent in advanced moral reasoning. 
Kohlberg's Post-Conventional Level:
This level, the highest in Kohlberg's framework, is characterized by individuals who make moral decisions based on universal ethical principles rather than simply adhering to societal rules. It encompasses stages 5 (social contract and individual rights) and 6 (universal ethical principles).
 Individuals at this level prioritize values like justice, equality, and human dignity, and they may challenge laws or norms that violate these principles.

The "Reversal" Dilemma.

The "reversal" dilemma arises when individuals who have reached the post-conventional level appear to regress or act in ways that contradict their previously demonstrated moral reasoning. This can manifest in several ways but what is common to all is that the person is atleast to begin with, is aware of the deviation and hence conscious of the moral values.

Situational pressures, often a resort for justification, is the most often sited cause. Even those with strong moral principles can be influenced by intense situational pressures, such as fear, coercion, or social pressure. In extreme circumstances, they may compromise their principles to survive or protect themselves or others.
 This doesn't necessarily indicate a complete "reversal" but rather a temporary compromise in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

 Conflicting Principles- Post-conventional morality involves navigating complex ethical dilemmas where competing principles may clash. For example, the principle of justice may conflict with the principle of compassion. In such cases, individuals may make difficult choices that appear to contradict their usual moral stance, but these choices may be the result of a careful weighing of competing values.

Erosion of principles could be the fundamental  issue related to the reversal of post conventional morality.In some cases, prolonged exposure to corrupt or unethical environments can erode an individual's moral principles. This can lead to a gradual shift in their moral reasoning, where they begin to prioritize self-interest or expediency over ethical considerations.

Knowing abstract ethical principles, and consistently applying those principles are two different things. There can be a gap between the theoretical understanding of post conventional morality, and the practical application of it in real world scenarios. How much is too much is often a problem we experience. Whether it be money or the information we provide to patients relatives, have to run the litmus test of moral framework. It not unusual for me to revert on my understood guidelines. For the more bold people it may breach financial conventions.

The critique of Kohlberg's theory:
  Proposing a theory to deal with the idea of morality is not only difficult but also subject to critical evaluation time and again. From my standpoint today, I had my objections as soon as I read the theory. It is also important to remember that academia has not been kind and that Kohlberg's theory has been critiqued. Some critics, most notably Carol Gilligan, have argued that it emphasizes a justice-oriented morality that is more characteristic of men, and that it devalues a care-oriented morality that is more characteristic of women. This critique brings into question the universal nature of Kohlberg's stages, and the possibility that what appears to be a "reversal" may in fact be a reflection of different moral perspectives. In my daily experience in a society embedded in deep cultural scaffolding, the moral breaches are common and often modified into newer conventions almost as if representative of a structural collapse. Examples of immortality where surgeons, police and insurance companies have colluded to breach trust of a common man for financial reasons need.

Important consideration.
It's crucial to avoid simplistic interpretations of moral behavior. Moral reasoning is complex and influenced by a multitude of factors. Situational factors, competing values, and the potential for moral erosion must be taken into account when evaluating moral behavior. Kohlberg's theory provides a valuable framework for understanding moral development, but it's not without its limitations.

The "dilemma of post-conventional morality reversal" highlights the tension between abstract ethical principles and the realities of human behavior. It underscores the ongoing challenge of consistently living up to one's moral ideals in a complex and often challenging world. I have experienced such tension and eventual deviation of perceptual framework. This leads to an antagonistic perception which is often futile or an alternative transformation leading to moral confusion. This is also the origin of new age disgust and rage against the existing immoral values giving rise to violence in societal norms. 

Pratyush Chaudhuri 

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