In the Victor Hugo story Les Misérables, a character named Valjean steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving niece. How would a person in the instrumental orientation of Kohlberg's stages describe Valjean's theft?
A) "It is okay that he took the bread, because his niece will probably give him a big hug and kiss for getting her something to eat."
B) "It isn't okay that he took the bread because the police will probably come arrest him!"
C) "It is okay for him to take the bread, as long as he goes back the next day to work to pay for it."
D) "It isn't okay for him to steal the bread because stealing is wrong and nobody should ever steal."

Question

In the Victor Hugo story Les Misérables, a character named Valjean steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving niece. How would a person in the instrumental orientation of Kohlberg's stages describe Valjean's theft?
A) ​"It is okay that he took the bread, because his niece will probably give him a big hug and kiss for getting her something to eat."
B) ​"It isn't okay that he took the bread because the police will probably come arrest him!"
C) ​"It is okay for him to take the bread, as long as he goes back the next day to work to pay for it."
D) ​"It isn't okay for him to steal the bread because stealing is wrong and nobody should ever steal."

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the instrumental orientation stage of Kohlberg's moral development, actions are judged based on their direct consequences and personal benefits. Choice A reflects this by focusing on the immediate positive outcome for Valjean, which is the gratitude from his niece.

In the Victor Hugo Story Les Misérables, a Character Named