Three Theories of Development: A Comparison of Dewey, Kohlberg, and Noddings\u27 Models of Moral Growth

This paper will compare the moral theories developed by John Dewey, Lawrence Kohlberg, and Nel Noddings to discern places of agreement and areas of dispute. The paper will also examine the most consequential ethical formulations of the three thinkers. For Dewey it is his conception of conscientiousness. For Kohlberg it is the idea of justice. Lastly, for Noddings it is the virtue of empathy found in the caring response. These conceptions are the foundations of their moral ideas. They color their thoughts on such related topics as the objective versus subjective nature of morality, the role of the rational and the emotional faculties in decision making, and the elements of moral judgment. This paper will examine where Dewey, Kohlberg, and Noddings stand on these issues and how they compare and contrast with each other. Their theories present an insightful glimpse into the entirety and diversity of the moral nature that informs the human condition