Kohlberg's Moral Development Stages

Universal ethical principles

Abstract moral guidelines that transcend individual beliefs and societal norms

Lawrence Kohlberg

American psychologist who developed the theory of moral development

Commitment to justice

Belief in upholding fairness and equality in moral decision-making

Heinz

Character in the moral dilemma who faces a decision to steal medicine to save his wife

Compassion

Deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering

Heinz dilemma

Famous moral dilemma used by Kohlberg to study moral reasoning

Peer pressure

Influence from others of the same age group or social circle

Piaget's theory

Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which influenced Kohlberg's work

Interviewed boys

Kohlberg's method of studying moral development by questioning boys on moral dilemmas

Pre-conventional

Level where moral judgments are based on obedience, punishment, and self-interest

Post-conventional

Level where moral judgments are based on universal ethical principles and justice

Conventional

Level where moral judgments are guided by societal norms, authority, and social order

Six stages

Levels of moral development proposed by Kohlberg

Stage one

Moral reasoning based on avoiding punishment

Stage five

Moral reasoning based on understanding rules as a social contract

Stage four

Moral reasoning centered around valuing authority and maintaining social order

Stage two

Moral reasoning driven by self-interest and personal gain

Stage three

Moral reasoning focused on interpersonal accord and conformity

Stage six

Moral reasoning guided by universal ethical principles and justice

Moral reasoning

Process of making judgments about what is right or wrong

Hypothetical moral dilemmas

Scenarios used to assess moral reasoning and decision-making

Three levels

Structural organization of Kohlberg's stages: pre-conventional, conventional, post-conventional

Social contract

Understanding rules as agreements for mutual benefit within a society