An evaluation of the goal of moral autonomy in the theory and practice of Lawrence Kohlbergew

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the concept of moral autonomy in the writings and practice of Lawrence Kohlberg.
Believers in moral autonomy have traditionally affirmed the logical independence of morality from religion. Despite his protestations, Kohlberg does not belong to this tradition as his highest moral stage needs religious support.
Kohlberg has dominated the discussion of moral education in the English-speaking world for many years. Despite his imprecision and exaggeration there are many theoretical insights and practical helps for moral eductors in his writings. However, unless more adequate empirical evidence is produced to support the basic concept of general moral stages, his system of thought will collapse, weakened as it is already by hs abandoning of moral autonomy.