Kohlberg's theory of moral development

Overview

Moral development related to cognitive development. Must look at reasoning behind moral choices.
Three levels, two stages within each level.
o Some people seem to be in multiple stages at one time, and few people actually reach stage six.
o Argument that men and women's moral reasoning develop in different ways.
• Women: moral reasoning based on self, moral reasoning based on other, and then moral reasoning based on both self and other.

Premoral level

focus on external authority
Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation
Stage 2: Instrumental Relativism

Conventional Morality

moral reason externally driven based on the social environment
Stage 3: Interpersonal Concordance
Stage 4: Society Maintaining (Law and Order Orientation)

Post-conventional morality

development of a personal code of ethics; rules are internalized
Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles
Loss of self esteem results in the violation of these principles.

Stage 1- Punishment and Obedience Orientation

the individual is determining the morality of an act based on its consequences. (Intentions not considered.)

Stage 2- Instrumental Relativism

the individual conforms to rules in order to get rewards or to satisfy needs.

Stage 3- interpersonal Concordance

the primary objective is to be thought of as a nice person; wants to please and help others or be approved of.

Stage 4- Society maintaining (law and order orientation)

behavior is judged by the extent to which it shows respect for authority.

Stage 5- Social Contract Orientation

individual is guided by democratically accepted laws and individual rights.

Stage 6- Universal Ethical Principles

morality now based on individual conscience (self-chosen principles)