Interpretive Experiments:Probing the Care-Justice Debate in Moral Development

Abstract

Two proposals are made: (a) theories of development are developmental phenomena themselves and should be addressed developmentally, and (b) developmental theories are conceptual research programs that should proceed experimentally. The implications of these proposals are traced with respect to the care-justice, or Kohlberg-Gilligan, debate regarding moral judgment and gender role. Various ‘different voice’ counterhypotheses are posed for the purpose of comparison with Gilligan’s ‘different voice’ of caring and her critique of justice as the basis of moral judgment. Exploration of these counterhypotheses suggests how care’s voice and Kohlberg’s vision might be nurtured together.