Communicative ethics, developing a practical procedure of discourse

grantor: University of TorontoJurgen Habermas presents a theory of discourse ethics which is a conflict resolution theory based on a process of moral argumentation. To move discourse ethics beyond a purely theoretical venue, Habermas introduces Lawrence Kohlberg's cognitive model of moral development. In turn, Seyla Benhabib questions Habermas' version of discourse ethics by examining the theory and model which she sees to be grounded on a rationalist methodology that is shared by both Habermas and Kohlberg. Using Benhabib's insights, I reexamine Kohlberg's idea of the moral domain and argue that Kohlberg actually supports Benhabib's analysis, and can even be seen to expand it. As a result, we are left with a solid theory of discourse ethics, whereby both Kohlberg and Benhabib can be seen to contribute to Habermas' account. While they maintain the foundations of Habermas' discourse ethics theory, they reformulate the moral domain to accommodate a practical and viable account of moral decision making.M.A