Kohlberg's moral development theory

Question 1

Preconventional level (stage 1 and 2)

Answer 1

moral judgments are characterized by a concrete, individual perspective; The child responds to consequences, reward and punishment greatly influence the behavior

Question 2

Stage 1

Answer 2

obedience and punishment orientation: focus is on avoiding breaking rules and punishment (avoid getting in trouble), and obedience; ego-centric stage

Question 3

Stage 2

Answer 3

individualism and exchange - focus is on the value of an action - what’s in it for me? characterized by reciprocity and the golden rule; one follows rules only when it is in their immediate interest (Hedonism) lower pain, increase pleasure

Question 4

Conventional level (stage 3 and 4)

Answer 4

individual has a basic understanding of conventional morality and that norms are necessary to uphold society; The individual wants to meet the standards of the family, society, and even the nation; Desired to conform

Question 5

Stage 3

Answer 5

interpersonal accord and conformity - aware of shared feelings and expectations which take precedence over individual interests; define what is right in terms of what is expected or what is considered “good”; Good boy/good girl orientation, wants to please others in order to achieve recognition (makes me look good)

Question 6

Stage 4

Answer 6

authority and social-order maintaining orientation - shift to defining what is right in terms of the laws and norms of the larger social system: one obeys the law in order to be a responsible member of society - because it’s the rule, it’s the law

Question 7

Postconventional level (stage 5 and 6)

Answer 7

characterized by reasoning based on the principles which underlie rules and norms; Individual is concerned with universal, ethical principles of justice, dignity, and equality of human rights; Kohlberg felt that many people never reach the final level; self accepted morality; Gandhi, Socrates and Martin Luther King Junior

Question 8

Stage 5

Answer 8

social contract orientation - laws are evaluated in terms of their coherence with principles of fairness; elements of morality are to be upheld regardless of societal norms or expectations - for the common good and welfare of others

Question 9

Stage 6

Answer 9

universal ethical principles (principled conscience) - people have developed their own set of morals and values even if they go against the laws of society; people will adhere to and defend their beliefs without thought to the consequences