Well Mr. Kohlberg...

While learning about Kohlberg's theory of moral development in class today, everything was pretty simple and clear. However, I couldn't seem to come to comprehend the notion that a person morally matures onto the next stage solely by thinking through moral dilemmas and having discussions.

I think there is another factor to keep in mind: experience. While I am certainly no psychologist, I do feel that a person develops, in all ways possible, based off experiences they have. Yes, they can discuss moral issues and learn from different discussions with different people. But don't they need to experience various moral dilemmas themselves to learn what is morally right as well?

So this leads me to wonder about good ol' Huck Finn. We have generally concluded he is between the second and third stage. But what experiences have lead him into this stage? Would he be at a different stage if he had a stable childhood and home? What stage is Jim at and what experiences has he had that's left him there?