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Kohlberg

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development describes how children develop morality and moral reasoning through six stages according to American psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg. Kohlberg built upon Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development and proposed three levels of moral development - pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional - with two stages in each level. As children progress through the stages, their moral reasoning develops from focusing on obedience, self-interest and social norms to considering social order, individual rights, and universal ethical principles. Kohlberg believed not all individuals reach the highest stages of moral reasoning.

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127 views

Kohlberg

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development describes how children develop morality and moral reasoning through six stages according to American psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg. Kohlberg built upon Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development and proposed three levels of moral development - pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional - with two stages in each level. As children progress through the stages, their moral reasoning develops from focusing on obedience, self-interest and social norms to considering social order, individual rights, and universal ethical principles. Kohlberg believed not all individuals reach the highest stages of moral reasoning.

Uploaded by

Reah Laurel
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Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Morality (pagkakaroon ng mabuting asal, mabuting ugali)


Moral reasoning (kung paano mag-isip yung isang bata sa tama o mali; ano yung dapat niyang
gawin? Ano yung dapat niyang sundin?)

Lawrence Kohlberg (October 25, 1927 – January 17, 1987)


 An American psychologist and educator at Harvard University.
 He began as a developmental psychologist, then moved to the field of education
 Known for his theory of moral development.
 Kohlberg was influenced by the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who is famous for his
theory on the cognitive development. Jean Piaget originally proposed the theory of moral
development, and Lawrence Kohlberg further developed Piaget’s theory.

Kohlberg’s theory of moral development is a theory that focuses on how children develop
morality and moral reasoning. Kohlberg’s theory suggests that moral development occurs in a
series of six stages. The theory also suggests that moral logic is primarily focused on seeking and
maintaining justice. Kohlberg’s theory is broken down into three primary levels. At each level of
moral development, there are two stages. Similar to how Piaget believed that not all people reach
the highest levels of cognitive development, Kohlberg believed not everyone progresses to the
highest stages of moral development.

According to Lawrence Kohlberg, moral development occurs in six stages:

Level 1: Pre-Conventional Level Morality.


Moral reasoning is based on the consequences/result of the act, not on whether the act
itself is good or bad. Pre-conventional morality is the earliest period of moral
development. It lasts until around the age of 9. At this age, children’s decisions are
primarily shaped by the expectations of adults and the consequences for breaking the
rules. There are two stages within this level:

Stage 1 – Obedience and Punishment. The earliest stages of moral development, obedience
and punishment are especially common in young children, but adults are also capable
of expressing this type of reasoning. According to Kohlberg, people at this stage see
rules as fixed and absolute. Obeying the rules is important because it is a way to avoid
punishment. One is motivated by fear of punishment. He will act in order to avoid
punishment.

Stage 2 – Self-Interest (Mutual Benefit). At the self-interest stage or Individualism and


Exchange stage of moral development, children account for individual points of view
and judge actions based on how they serve individual needs. In the Heinz dilemma,
children argued that the best course of action was the choice that best served Heinz’s
needs. Reciprocity is possible at this point in moral development, but only if it serves
one’s own interests. One is motivated to act by the benefit that one may obtain later.
(You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours)

Level 2: Conventional Level Morality.


The next period of moral development is marked by the acceptance of social rules
regarding what is good and moral. During this time, adolescents and adults internalize the
moral standards they have learned from their role models and from society. Moral
reasoning is based on the conventions or “norms” of society. This may include approval of
others, law and order.

Stage 3 – Interpersonal Accord and Conformity (Social Approval) (Developing Good


Interpersonal Relationships). Often referred to as the “good boy – good girl”
orientation, this stage of interpersonal relationship of moral development is focused
on living up to social expectations and roles. There is an emphasis on conformity,
being “nice,” and consideration of how choices influence relationships. One is
motivated by what others except in behaviour – good boy, good girl. The person acts
because he/she values how he/she will appear to others. He/she gives importance on
what people will think or say.

Stage 4 – Authority and Maintaining Social Order (Law and Order). This stage is focused
on ensuring that social order is maintained. At this stage of moral development,
people begin to consider society as a whole when making judgments. The focus is on
maintaining law and order by following the rules, doing one’s duty, and respecting
authority. One is motivated to act in order to uphold law and order. The person will
follow the law because it is the law.

Level 3: Post-Conventional Level Morality.


At this level of moral development, people develop an understanding of abstract
principles of morality. Moral reasoning is based on enduring or consistent principles. It is
not just recognizing the law, but the principles behind the law. The two stages at this level
are:

Stage 5 – Social Contract and Individual Rights. The ideas of a social contract and
individual rights cause people in the next stage to begin to account for the differing
values, opinions, and beliefs of other people. Rules of law are important for
maintaining a society, but members of the society should agree upon these standards.
Laws that are wrong can be changed. One will act based on social justice and the
common good.

Stage 6 – Universal Ethical Principle. Kohlberg’s final level of moral reasoning is based on
universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning. At this stage, people follow these
internalized principles of justice, even if they conflict with laws and rules. This is
associated with the development of one’s conscience, Having a set of standards that
drives one to possess moral responsibility to make societal changes regardless of
consequences to oneself.

References:
 Cherry, K., 2021. Levels of Developing Morality in Kohlberg's Theories. [online] Verywell Mind.
Available at: <https://www.verywellmind.com/kohlbergs-theory-of-moral-development-2795071>
[Accessed 18 September 2022].
 https://www.verywellmind.com/kohlbergs-theory-of-moral-development-2795071

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