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Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Kohlberg's theory of moral development consists of 3 levels with 2 stages each: 1) Pre-conventional level: Stage 1 focuses on obedience to avoid punishment. Stage 2 focuses on self-interest and what's in it for them. 2) Conventional level: Stage 3 focuses on pleasing others and avoiding disapproval. Stage 4 focuses on obeying rules to maintain social order. 3) Post-conventional level: Stage 5 recognizes different opinions and values that should be respected. Stage 6 develops one's own moral principles that apply to all even if against the law. Kohlberg believed few people reach the highest stage.

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545 views10 pages

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Kohlberg's theory of moral development consists of 3 levels with 2 stages each: 1) Pre-conventional level: Stage 1 focuses on obedience to avoid punishment. Stage 2 focuses on self-interest and what's in it for them. 2) Conventional level: Stage 3 focuses on pleasing others and avoiding disapproval. Stage 4 focuses on obeying rules to maintain social order. 3) Post-conventional level: Stage 5 recognizes different opinions and values that should be respected. Stage 6 develops one's own moral principles that apply to all even if against the law. Kohlberg believed few people reach the highest stage.

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kc osayan
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  • Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development: The cover page introduces the presentation on Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development.
  • Introduction to Lawrence Kohlberg: Provides a brief biography of Lawrence Kohlberg, detailing his contributions to moral development theory.
  • Level 1: Pre-Conventional: Describes the Pre-Conventional Level of moral reasoning where decisions are based on rewards and punishments.
  • Level 2: Conventional: Moral reasoning based on conformity to social rules and the desire to please others.
  • Level 3: Post-Conventional: Moral reasoning based on abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles.
  • Document Credits: Credits the document preparation to Remelyn A. Pelicano.

KOHLBERG’s THEORY

KOHLBERG’s THEORYOF
OF
MORAL DEVELOPMENT
MORAL DEVELOPMENT
Lawrence Kohlberg
• American Psychologist born in
1927
• Follower of Jean Piaget’s Theory
of Cognitive Development
• Extended Piaget’s ideas into his
own stages of Moral
Development
• Died in 1987 reportedly of
suicide.
• In this stage, the child makes Level 1:
moral decisions based on reward Pre-Conventional (PARENTS)
and punishment. In other words,
moral reasoning is based on the
consequences of the act, the
child thinks something is right if it
is praised (e.g., sharing toys) or
wrong if it is punished (e.g.,
saying “bad” words). The child
does not consider the act itself.
Thus, the child has a very selfish
orientation to right and wrong.
Stage 1: Punishment
• Stage 1 focuses on the child’s desire to obey rules and
avoid being punished. For example, an action is
perceived as morally wrong because the perpetrator is
punished; the worse the punishment for the act is, the
more “bad” the act is perceived to be.
Stage 2: Reward
• Stage two reasoning shows a limited interest in the
needs of others, only to the point where it might
further the individual’s own interests. As a result,
concern for others is not based on loyalty
or intrinsic respect, but rather a “you scratch my back,
and I’ll scratch yours” mentality. An example would be
when a child is asked by his parents to do a chore. The
child asks “what’s in it for me?” and the parents offer
the child an incentive by giving him an allowance.
Level 2: Conventional
• The child wants to please (OTHER PEOPLE)
others, such as parents and
teachers, and so he goes by
the rules. Moral reasoning
is based on compliance with
the rules and values of
society. Something is right if
the church, teachers or
parents say it is right;
something is wrong if
society says so. The child is
obsessed with the idea of
fairness.
Stage 3: Good Boy, Nice Girl Orientation
(Recognition)
• In stage 3, children want the approval of others
and act in ways to avoid disapproval. Emphasis is
placed on good behavior and people being “nice”
to others.
Stage 4: Law-and-Order Orientation (Rules)
• In stage 4, the child blindly accepts rules and convention because of
their importance in maintaining a functioning society. Rules are seen as
being the same for everyone, and obeying rules by doing what one is
“supposed” to do is seen as valuable and important. Moral reasoning in
stage four is beyond the need for individual approval exhibited in stage
three. If one person violates a law, perhaps everyone would—thus
there is an obligation and a duty to uphold laws and rules. Most active
members of society remain at stage four, where morality is still
predominantly dictated by an outside force.
Level 3: Post-conventional (SELF)
• This level is marked by a growing realization that
individuals are separate entities from society and that
individuals may disobey rules inconsistent with their
own principles. Post-conventional moralists live by their
own ethical principles—principles that typically include
such basic human rights as life, liberty, and justice—and
view rules as useful but changeable mechanisms, rather
than absolute dictates that must be obeyed without
question. Because post-conventional individuals elevate
their own moral evaluation of a situation over social
conventions, their behavior, especially at stage six, can
sometimes be confused with that of those at the pre-
conventional level. Some theorists have speculated that
many people may never reach this level of abstract
moral reasoning.
Stage 5: Social-Contract Orientation
(EXEMPTION)
• In stage 5, the world is viewed as holding
different opinions, rights, and values. Such
perspectives should be mutually respected
as unique to each person or community.
Laws are regarded as social contracts rather
than rigid edicts. Those that do not
promote the general welfare should be
changed when necessary to meet the
greatest good for the greatest number of
people. This is achieved through majority
decision and inevitable compromise.
Democratic government is theoretically
based on stage five reasoning.
Stage 6: Universal-Ethical-
Principle Orientation (JUSTICE)
• People at this stage have developed their
own set of moral guidelines which may
or may not fit the law. The principles
apply to everyone. E.g., human rights,
justice, and equality. The person will be
prepared to act to defend these
principles even if it means going against
the rest of society in the process and
having to pay the consequences of
disapproval and or imprisonment.
Kohlberg doubted few people reached
this stage.
Prepared by:

Remelyn A. Pelicano

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