1. Stages of Moral Development
Kohlberg
Stages of Moral Development

2. Who is Kohlberg?
Studied at the University of Chicago, later served as a professor at the University and at Harvard
Close follower of Jean Piaget’s theory of Cognitive Development
Became fascinated with children’s reactions to moral dilemmas and created his theory in 1958

3. Level I: Preconventional or Premoral
Focuses on actions that satisfy oneself, but not always others
What’s in it for me?
Stage 2: Naively egoistic
Stage 1: Obedience & Punishment
Self-centered obedience to superior power or important influences
Objective responsibility
How can I avoid punishment?

4. How can Kohlberg’s model of Moral Development help us figure out what our children are thinking?

5. Level II: Conventional/Role Conformity
Stage 4: Authority & Social Order
Stage 3: Conformity & Interpersonal Accord
Orientation to approval
Wants to help and please others constantly
Being the goodie-two- shoes
Doing what is asked of you to show respect for authority
Striving to live up to expectations
Sense of obligation to within social order

6. Level III: Postconventional
Stage 5: Contractual or Logistic
Stage 6: Universal Ethics of the Conscience
Social contract orientation
Right vs. Wrong becomes defined by law & society’s rules
Law must prevail over personal needs for the sake of the greater function of society
Action is controlled by internalized ideals
Conscience becomes a directing agent along with former social rules
Logic and moral principles become essential

7. What stage would you associate most with this picture? Why?

8. Heinz Dilemma

9. Works Cited
ohlberg.stages.html
This site gives a brief introduction to the 3 levels & 6 stages of Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory
Also, check the External Links section for a great pdf file using Kohlberg’s Theory to discuss Age & Criminal Responsibility