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Overview
Overview
Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development are based on psychologist Jean Piaget's theory of moral judgement for children. The theory focuses on the cognitive process in the determination of right and wrong, wtih emphasis on how one decides to respond to moral dilemma, not how one actually acts.
Kohlberg's Study
Kohlberg's Study
Kohlberg developed his study with the intention of gaining a clearer understanding of the process of moral development in children as they age, determining what plays a role in their general sense of what is right and wrong at various ages. The key aspects of his findings among different age ranges provided the basis for his theory of stages of moral development. Kohlberg maintained a specified focus on the topic of justice and its foundational role in moral decision-making.
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development
Pre-Conventional Level
Pre-Conventional Level
This is the first of Kohlberg's stages of moral development, lasting until approximately eight years of age. Throughout this stage of moral development, children learn to accept generalized authority and moral codes, following rules and expectations in the aims of avoiding punishment or receiving a prize for such behavior. This level of morality revolved mostly around simplistic authoritative figures such as teachers and parents, focusing more on their commands than the actual subject of morality in one's actions. Individuals at this level have not yet developed their own sense of right and wrong.
Example: Not leaving the classroom when the teacher says so.
Conventional Level
Conventional Level
This is the second stage of Kohlberg's stages of moral development, occurring between the ages of eight years and thirteen years. During this stage moral development is focused on the assimilation to societal norms, external expectations, and tradition. Moral principles of important adult role models are also absorbed in the midst of this stage, with authority being internalized.
Example: Telling the truth.
Post-Conventional Level
Post-Conventional Level
This is the final stage of Kohlberg's stages of moral development, taking place from an age of roughly thirteen years of age through adulthood. This stage is characterized by the understanding of important universal ethical principles. Individuals begin to decide what they think falls under the categories of right and wrong rather than simply abiding by the societal standard, often based on developed personal values.
Example: The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights
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