Lawrence Kohlberg

Date of Birth: October 25, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 19, 1987

Biography

Lawrence Kohlberg was an influential American educator and psychologist renowned for his theory of stages of moral development. Born on October 25, 1927, in Bronxville, New York, Kohlberg’s work has had a significant impact on both psychology and education. He received his B.A. from the University of Chicago in 1948 and later earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the same institution in 1958. Kohlberg’s theory, which he developed while working on his dissertation, proposes that moral reasoning progresses through a series of six developmental stages, each more sophisticated than the last. Kohlberg’s professional career included teaching positions at several prestigious universities, including Yale University, the University of Chicago, and Harvard University. His work extended beyond academia; he was heavily involved in practical educational reform, focusing on moral education and cognitive development. Tragically, Kohlberg struggled with depression and physical illness later in life, which significantly affected his work and personal life. On January 19, 1987, Lawrence Kohlberg passed away in an apparent suicide, marking the end of a groundbreaking career that left an indelible mark on the field of psychology.

5 Interesting Facts about Lawrence Kohlberg

1. Lawrence Kohlberg served as a professor at Harvard University for several years, where he continued to develop his theories on moral development.

2. He was a pivotal figure in the field of moral psychology, influencing educational practices and psychological research worldwide.

3. Kohlberg’s theory of moral development was inspired by the work of Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who studied cognitive development in children.

4. Despite his academic success, Kohlberg faced significant personal challenges, including health issues and depression, which ultimately led to his untimely death.

5. He established a “just community” school in Massachusetts, aiming to apply his theories of moral development in a real-world educational setting.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lawrence Kohlberg

1. “The goal of education is to teach children to become autonomous moral agents.”

2. “Moral development is a process that unfolds throughout life.”

3. “True moral action requires more than just understanding moral principles; it requires the courage to act on them.”

4. “Our moral reasoning is not fixed at a certain stage; it continually evolves as we encounter new experiences.”

5. “Education should not only transmit knowledge but also foster the development of moral reasoning.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Lawrence Kohlberg’s highest net worth is not well-documented, as he was primarily an academic and educator rather than a public figure with substantial financial wealth.