Kohlberg's 6 stages of moral development

Stage 1: Obedience and punishment

This stage involves decision-making based on avoiding punishment and the belief that authority figures establish rules that must be followed.

Stage 2: Self-Interest

This stage focuses on individual needs and rewards, where decisions are made based on personal benefit and reciprocity.

Stage 3: Interpersonal Acord and conformity

This stage emphasizes living up to social expectations and roles, seeking approval and maintaining relationships with others.

Stage 4: Authority and maintaining social order

This stage centers on fulfilling one's duties, obeying laws, and maintaining social order by respecting authority and societal rules.

Stage 5: Social contract

This stage involves understanding and upholding a social contract, where individual rights and the collective good are balanced. It emphasizes cooperation and mutual benefit in society.

Stage 6: Ethical Principles

This stage focuses on upholding universal ethical principles and individual conscience, prioritizing justice, equality, and dignity over specific laws or social contracts.

Pre-conventional

Consists of stages 1 and 2, where their judgment is based on self-interest and adherence to rules to avoid punishment or gain rewards.

Conventional level

Consists of stages 3,4 This level focuses on maintaining social order and gaining approval through conforming to societal norms and expectations.

Post conventional level

Consists of stages 5 and 6where ethical reasoning is based on abstract reasoning and adherence to universal principles as opposed to specific laws.