William Perry's Theory of Intellectual and Ethical Development
 William Perry
The theory is a classic model for intellectual development in college
students. The theory was first developed in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The theory discusses three stages: dualism, multiplicity, and relativism. |
William Perry’s theory is based on his studies of the cognitive and ethical development
in undergraduate students. He believes that college students go through four stages of mental and moral develop. The four states are dualism, multiplicity, relativism, and lastly commitment. These four stages are then further divided into nine positions.
Perry's theory is especially useful because he details not only specific stages but how people arrive and change to get to each stage.
The first stage that is typically discussed for people who are very young is dualism. Dualism is the belief that every problem is solvable, that students are to learn the right answers, and that one must obey authorities. The second stage is known as multiplicity. Multiplicity is that there are two types of problems: solvable, and also problems that the answer is not know yet. In addition, in this stage, students put trust in their own inner voice.
Relativism is the third stage. During this stage, all solutions to problems must have reasons, and be viewed within a specific context. The basis for this stage is that every issue must be evaluated because everything is contextual. Lastly, commitment is the stage where there is an acceptance of uncertainty as part of life. During this stage, students use the combination of personal experience and evidence learned from outside sources to arrive at conclusions (William Perry's Scheme).
in undergraduate students. He believes that college students go through four stages of mental and moral develop. The four states are dualism, multiplicity, relativism, and lastly commitment. These four stages are then further divided into nine positions.
Perry's theory is especially useful because he details not only specific stages but how people arrive and change to get to each stage.
The first stage that is typically discussed for people who are very young is dualism. Dualism is the belief that every problem is solvable, that students are to learn the right answers, and that one must obey authorities. The second stage is known as multiplicity. Multiplicity is that there are two types of problems: solvable, and also problems that the answer is not know yet. In addition, in this stage, students put trust in their own inner voice.
Relativism is the third stage. During this stage, all solutions to problems must have reasons, and be viewed within a specific context. The basis for this stage is that every issue must be evaluated because everything is contextual. Lastly, commitment is the stage where there is an acceptance of uncertainty as part of life. During this stage, students use the combination of personal experience and evidence learned from outside sources to arrive at conclusions (William Perry's Scheme).
