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Life Dates

1927–1987

Introduction

American developmental psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg spent his life in pursuit of universal justice. “Kohlberg opened the eyes of psychologists and educators to the fact that people’s moral thinking changes as they grow up, and that these changes continue to follow predictable stages of development as they grow older” [12]. He is best known among psychologists for his six-stage model of moral cognition and development. Kohlberg also developed three methods of moral education: adult role models as moral exemplars, peer interaction through moral dilemma discussions, and democratic participation in a morally grounded democratic school community, which he referred to as Just Community programs.

Laurence (original spelling) Kohlberg was born in Bronxville, NY, an affluent suburb of New York City, on October 25, 1927. His father, Alfred Kohlberg, was a wealthy textile importer with production facilities in China during World War II (Sino-Japanese War) and...

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References

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Snarey, J., Green, A. (2011). Kohlberg, Lawrence. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_1594

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_1594

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