KOHLBERG’S STAGES OF
MORAL DEVELOPMENT
ETHICS
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Lawrence Kohlberg (1958) agreed with Piaget's (1932)
theory of moral development in principle but wanted to
develop his ideas further.
He used Piaget’s storytelling technique to tell people
stories involving moral dilemmas. In each case, he
presented a choice to be considered, for example,
between the rights of some authority and the needs of
some deserving individual who is being unfairly treated.
Level 1 - Pre-conventional morality
At the pre-conventional level (most nine-year-olds
and younger, some over nine), we don’t have a
personal code of morality. Instead, our moral code
is shaped by the standards of adults and the
consequences of following or breaking their rules.
Authority is outside the individual and reasoning is
based on the physical consequences of actions.
Level 1 - Pre-conventional morality
Stage 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation.
The child/individual is good in order to avoid being
punished. If a person is punished, they must have
done wrong.
Stage 2. Individualism and Exchange.
At this stage, children recognize that there is not just
one right view that is handed down by the authorities.
Different individuals have different viewpoints.
Level 2 - Conventional morality
At the conventional level (most adolescents and
adults), we begin to internalize the moral standards
of valued adult role models.
Authority is internalized but not questioned, and
reasoning is based on the norms of the group to
which the person belongs.
Level 2 - Conventional morality
Stage 3. Good Interpersonal Relationships.
The child/individual is good in order to be seen as
being a good person by others. Therefore, answers
relate to the approval of others.
Stage 4. Maintaining the Social Order.
The child/individual becomes aware of the wider
rules of society, so judgments concern obeying the
rules in order to uphold the law and to avoid guilt.
Level 3 - Post-conventional morality
Individual judgment is based on self-chosen principles,
and moral reasoning is based on individual rights and
justice. According to Kohlberg this level of moral
reasoning is as far as most people get.
Only 10-15% are capable of the kind of abstract
thinking necessary for stage 5 or 6 (post-conventional
morality). That is to say, most people take their moral
views from those around them and only a minority
think through ethical principles for themselves.
Level 3 - Post-conventional morality
Stage 5. Social Contract and Individual Rights.
The child/individual becomes aware that while rules/laws might exist for the good
of the greatest number, there are times when they will work against the interest of
particular individuals.
The issues are not always clear-cut. For example, in Heinz’s dilemma, the
protection of life is more important than breaking the law against stealing.
Stage 6. Universal Principles.
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.
Sources
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development By Saul McLeod,
updated 2013
https://www.simplypsychology.org/kohlberg.html
