Moral Reasoning among Tibetan Monks

Abstract

This cross-cultural pilot study of moral reasoning had twofold purpose: (a) to examine Kohlberg's model of moral reasoning in a non-Western, historically independent society; and (b) to explore its adequacy for representing comprehensively the moral domain of a Buddhist culture. Twenty adolescent and young adult monks from a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Nepal were administered culturally adapted Kohlberg interviews. The findings support certain assumptions underlying Kohlberg's claim to universality, but raise doubts about the ability of his theory to encompass concepts fundamental to a Buddhist worldview and morality.