Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

• Kohlberg's stages of moral development

  A theory which holds that moral reasoning, the basis for ethical behavior, has six identifiable developmental stages, each more adequate at responding to moral dilemmas than its predecessor
• Kohlberg determined that the process of moral development was principally concerned with justice, and that it continued throughout the individual's lifetime
• Levels of morality


  • Pre-conventional
  • Conventional
  • Post-conventional
• Kohlberg's scale is about how people justify behaviors and his stages are not a method of ranking how moral someone's behavior is
• The general hypothesis is that moral behavior is more responsible, consistent and predictable from people at higher levels
• Pre-Conventional Level

  Individuals at this level judge the morality of an action by its direct consequences, and is solely concerned with the self in an egocentric manner
• Stage 1: Reward and Punishment

  • Individuals focus on the direct consequences of their actions on themselves, and an action is perceived as morally wrong because the agent is punished
• Stage 2: Mutual Benefit

  • Individuals define right behavior as whatever they believe to be in their best interest, in a narrow way that does not consider reputation or relationships
• Conventional Level

  Individuals judge the morality of actions by comparing them to society's views and expectations, and obey rules and follow society's norms even when there are no consequences
• Stage 3: "Good Boy / Good Girl"

  • Individuals conform to social standards and are open to approval or disapproval from others, acting based on "what others would say"
• Stage 4: Law and Order

  • Individuals believe it is important to obey laws and social conventions because of their importance in maintaining a functioning society, and challenging the status quo is frowned upon
• Post-Conventional Level

  Individuals realize that they are separate from society, and their own perspective may take precedence over society's view; they may disobey rules inconsistent with their own principles
• Stage 5: Social Contract Driven

  • Individuals view the world as holding different opinions, rights, and values that should be mutually respected, and laws are regarded as social contracts rather than rigid edicts
• Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Driven

  • Individuals base moral reasoning on abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles, and have a profound respect for sanctity of human life, nonviolence, equality, and human dignity