Kholberg's stages of moral development

Pre conventional

ages 4-10, punishment and obedince orientation and instrumental relativist orientation

Conventional

Good boy - good girl orientation, law and order orientation

Post conventional

Social contract orientation and universal principles orientation

Punishment and obedience orientation

Rules are kept to avoid being punished. Well behaved and responsive to cultural norms. Able to behave imorraly. Wants to avoid punishment, does not question superiors, physical consequence determines if behavior is good

Instrumental - relativist orientation

Right behaviour brings rewards to oneself, person wants to know what is in it for them and what they will get

Good boy - girl orientation

Good behaviour pleases others - conform to goodness, person asks what do other people think is right and wrong

Law and order orientation

Doing my duty and obeying rules is important, person sees the right behaviour as upholding societal laws, person thinks that they must do what is right and make sure that everyone else does too.

Social contract orientation

right is what is democratically agreed, the right thing to do is uphold societal laws but these laws are more flexible in relation to personal values, there is a difference between law and morality, laws can be questionned

Universal principles orientation

Moral action is taken based on self chosen principles, person bases judgement of what is right and wrong on universal human rights of justice. All individuals have value and we should be wary of ethical positions potentially sacrificing the well being of an individual for the majority.