The process through which a person develops proper attitudes and behaviors - toward other people in society, - based on social and cultural norms, rules, and laws.

 an American psychologist  viewed moral development as a slow process that evolved over life time;  a person could not skip stages.

 Stage 1 (Punishment-Obedience): Morality: obeying rules trying to avoid punishment. Examples: I won’t cheat because I will get caught. I won’t steal because I will go to jail. I won’t speed because I will get a ticket. I’ll help you because if I don’t, I’ll get in trouble.

 Stage 2 (Individual Self-interest): Morality: Right or wrong is determined by what is rewarded, gained, or profited. One’s actions or inactions are based on what they will get from it. Examples: I will cheat because I will get a better score on the exam. I won’t tell mom you broke the vase if you don’t tell on me for stealing candy. I will help you if I get something out of it. Conversely, I’m not going to help you if because there’s nothing in it for me.

 Stage 3 (interpersonal conformity): Morality: Right or wrong is determined by seeking approval or avoiding disapproval of people who are close to you (parents, friends, teachers, etc) Examples: I won’t cheat on the test because my parents will be ashamed of me. I will steal because it will make me look cool in front of my friends. I will give to charity because everyone will think highly of me.

 Stage 4 (law and order): Morality: Obeying rules, respecting authority, and fulfilling perceived obligations to maintain social order. For example:  I won’t cheat because if everyone cheats, it will be difficult for anyone to distinguish between those who understand physics and those who don’t.  I won’t speed because it is against the law. If everyone speeds, then our laws are meaningless.  You must not shoplift because it is illegal.

 Stage 5 (Interpretation of the law):  Morality: right or wrong is determined by society’s rules, which are viewed as fallible, rather than absolute (if violates values of freedom of individual or property rights). For example:  Piracy of movies in China should not be done because(it is illegal) and it infringes upon intellectual property rights  Speeding laws are useful in town, but in rural areas, they violate my freedom to choose the speeds I wish to drive.

 Stage 6 (universal/ ethical principles): Morality: justice, human dignity, fairness, principles, independent thought: essential for decisions. Examples:  Saving a life comes before financial gain, even if the person is a stranger.  Laws that restrict access to the court system should be abolished because they impair a person’s access to justice.

 Does clarifying one’s moral reasoning lead to improved moral behavior? - moral system vs. intellectual examination  Is justice the only aspect of moral reasoning we should consider? - justice vs. care and compassion

 Does Kohlberg's theory overemphasize the Western emphasis on individualism? - personal rights vs. the importance of society and community.

 Pointed out potential sexist and biased elements: only male subjects used;  Concept of morality appears different for men and women;  Men tend to value: equity and justice (places most men in stage five or six).

 Women tend to value social interaction: - Tend to base their moral decisions on caring for other human beings; - This places women at stage three, making them appear to be less morally developed than men.

 Men determine immorality based on treating others unfairly;  Women base it on turning away someone in need.