Question

A man’s wife is dying. She is in dire need of a drug. The only place to get the drug is at the store of a pharmacist who is known to overcharge people. The man can only pay ₹20000 but the pharmacist wants ₹50000. What will the man do if he is at the conventional stage of morality as per Kohlberg’s theory of moral reasoning?

• A. He would not steal the drug, as everyone will see him as a thief, and his wife would not approve of his stealing.
• B. No matter what, he would obey the law because stealing is a crime.
• C. The man would not steal the drug, as he may get caught and go to jail.
• D. The man would steal the drug to cure his wife and then inform the authorities.

Hint:

Conventional morality focuses on maintaining social order and approval.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B

Step 1: Recall the conventional level.
The conventional stage emphasizes social approval, law, and order.
Step 2: Evaluate options.
(A) reflects concern for social approval and expectations.
(B) reflects respect for law and authority.
(C) reflects fear of punishment (pre-conventional).
(D) reflects principled reasoning (post-conventional).
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, responses (A) and (B) align with conventional morality.