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GATE 2021 XH5 – Question 58

Development Across the Life Span · Moral Development and Theories of Aging · 2 marks · Multiple select

A man’s wife needs a life-saving drug. He can pay₹20,000, but the pharmacist demands₹50,000 and refuses credit or a lower price. Which responses illustrate Kohlberg’s conventional level of moral reasoning?

  1. Do not steal because others will see him as a thief and his wife would disapprove or reject the stolen drug.
  2. Obey the law regardless, because stealing is a crime.
  3. Do not steal because he could be caught and imprisoned.
  4. Steal to save her, then tell the authorities and accept a penalty because saving a life takes priority.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Do not steal because others will see him as a thief and his wife would disapprove or reject the stolen drug.; (B) Obey the law regardless, because stealing is a crime.

Explanation

Conventional reasoning centres on interpersonal approval and maintenance of social order. A reflects approval/disapproval and B obedience to law, so both are keyed. C relies on punishment avoidance, characteristic of the pre-conventional level. D gives a life-over-law justification associated with post-conventional reasoning. Classification depends on the reason, not simply on whether the man steals.

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