Stages of Moral Development in Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” -The Toast

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jimmy“The theory holds that moral reasoning, the basis for ethical behavior, has six identifiable developmental stages, each more adequate at responding to moral dilemmas than its predecessor.” – Kohlberg’s stages of moral development

“Shells sink, dreams float. Life’s good on our boat.” – Jimmy Buffett

1. No VOP: only self and the norm are recognized (blind egoism)

Nibblin’ on sponge cake,
watchin’ the sun bake
All of those tourists covered with oil
Strummin’ my six string
On my front porch swing.
Smell those shrimp
They’re beginnin’ to boil

2. Sees that a) others have goals and preferences, b) either conform to or deviate from norms (instrumental egoism)

Wasted away again in Margaritaville,
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame

3. Recognize good and bad intentions (social relationships perspective)

But I know it’s nobody’s fault

4. Able to see abstract normative systems (social systems perspective)

I blew out my flip flop,
Stepped on a pop top,
Cut my heel, had to cruise on back home

5. Recognize that contracts will allow persons to increase welfare of both (contractual perspective) 

Wasted away again in Margaritaville,
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame,
Now I think — hell, it could be my fault

6. Sees how human fallibility and frailty are impacted by communication (mutual respect as a universal principle)

Wasted away again in Margaritaville
Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame,
But I know it’s my own damn fault

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