Kohlbergs Six Stages of Moral Development
Kohlbergs Six Stages of Moral Development
Kohlbergs Six Stages of Moral Development
OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT
Lawrence Kohlberg
Good Interpersonal
Relationships
Universal Principles.
Kohlberg: Summary
At stage 1 children think of what is right as that
which authority says is right. Doing the right
thing is obeying authority and avoiding
punishment. At stage 2, children are no longer
so impressed by any single authority; they see
that there are different sides to any issue. Since
everything is relative, one is free to pursue one's
own interests, although it is often useful to make
deals and exchange favors with others.
Kohlberg: Summary
At stages 3 and 4, young people think as
members of the conventional society with
its values, norms, and expectations. At
stage 3, they emphasize being a good
person, which basically means having
helpful motives toward people close to one
At stage 4, the concern shifts toward
obeying laws to maintain society as a
whole.
Kohlberg: Summary
At stages 5 and 6 people are less
concerned with maintaining society for it
own sake, and more concerned with the
principles and values that make for a good
society. At stage 5 they emphasize basic
rights and the democratic processes that
give everyone a say, and at stage 6 they
define the principles by which agreement
will be most just.