Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development Flashcards
what are the 3 stages
preconventional
conventional (where most people are)
postconventional (not everyone makes it here)
what are the 2 pre conventional stages
obedience/punishment → will i get in trouble?
self-interest → will it benefit ME? will i get rewarded for doing what is right?
what are the 2 conventional stages?
pleasing others → does things to gain approval from others
law and order → does things to maintain social order
what are the 2 stages of post conventional?
social contract → while laws are good for overall social order, morality sometimes transcends these laws
universal ethical principle → develop their OWN set of moral guidelines which may or may not be in accordance with the law/society
what stage are children usually in
obedience/punishment
describe the first stage
obedience/punishment
children see rules as fixed and absolute
they obey rules to avoid punishment
describe the 2nd stage
children recognize there different individuals have different viewpoints
right/wrong isn’t always concrete
choose to do thing that will benefit themselves
describe the 3rd stage
pleasing others / good boy/girl
people act to be seen as “good” by other people
emphasis on conformity
describe the 4th stage
law and order
wants to uphold the law and avoid guilty
describe the 5th stage
social contract
judgement is based on self chosen principles
individual becomes aware that even though laws exist, these laws may sometimes be unjust
describe the 6th stage
individuals develop their own set of moral guidelines, which may or may not fit the law
this person has to be prepared to defend their principles, even if it goes against most of society - may end up being punished/imprisoned
very few people reach this stage
