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Can A Generative AI Chatbot Learn Moral Reasoning?

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  • Minh Huynh

    (Southeastern Louisiana University, United States)

Abstract

Can an AI moral agent be taught right from wrong? The answer has been “no” until the arrival of Generative AI. Despite its known limitations, Generative AI has continued to advance since November 2022 with the introduction of the ChatGPT. This study explored the conceptual aspects involved in the design and development of an AI moral agent. It has moral reasoning capabilities. The paper begins by reviewing Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, and then applies it to develop a framework for characterizing an AI moral agent. The objective was to match Kohlberg’s three levels of morality and six stages with the conceptual characteristics of an AI moral agent. This study carries out a step further by matching Kohlberg’s three levels and six stages with the characterization of an AI moral agent. An experiment was conducted using this framework to evaluate and analyze the response of DeepSeek’s model, acting as a moral agent in the context of Heinz’s dilemma. The preliminary results and analysis are presented. The paper concludes with observations from the experiment, thoughts on the design and development of an AI moral agent, and two educational implications for college students.

Suggested Citation

  • Minh Huynh, 2026. "Can A Generative AI Chatbot Learn Moral Reasoning?," European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, European Open Science, vol. 7(1), pages 90-96, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:epw:ejedu0:v:7:y:2026:i:1:id:31034
    DOI: 10.24018/ejedu.2026.7.1.31034
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