Kohlbergs Six Moral Stages

There are three levels

preconventional, conventional, postconventional

stage one

Heteronomous Mortality. The child follows rules exactly, does what adults tell it to avoid punishment. The child has an egocentric point of view.

stage two

Instrumental Mortality. The child does what benefits them and follows rules when it’s in their interest. Listens to get rewards or to satisfy its needs. helps others if they will help you back. The child has a concrete individualistic perspective.

Stage three

Good-Child Mortality. Lives up to the expectations of family and friends, be nice, thoughtful, and loyal. the child wants to be seen as a good person and wants approval from others. The child has a perspective of close others.

stage four

Law and Order Mortality. Children obey the law, respect authority, and do their duty. The reason is to maintain social order, and that rules exist for a reason. The child has a perspective of society as a whole; society works when everyone follows it.

Stage five

Social Contract Reasoning. Children follow laws only if they uphold human rights and benefit people. Understand laws as social agreements, not commands. Mortality comes from a social contract aimed at the greatest good. Peoples rights matter more than rigid rules.

Stage six

Universal Ethical Principles. Children follow self-chosen moral principles, will break laws if they violate these principles. A deeply personal commitment to universal moral values. A perspective of moral reasoning beyond any social rules. All humans deserve equal respect.