1. Levels and Stages of Moral Development
Lawrence Kohlberg’s
Levels and Stages of Moral Development

2. LEVEL I: Pre-conventional Morality
Moral values reside in a person’s own needs and wants
Stage 1: Obedience & Punishment
Individual’s moral judgment is motivated by a need to avoid punishment

3. Stage 2: Instrumental-Relativist
Individual’s moral judgment is motivated by a need to satisfy his/her own desires

4. LEVEL II: Conventional Morality
Moral values reside in performing good or right roles, in maintaining the conventional order, and in pleasing others
Stage 3: “Good boy/Nice girl” Orientation

5. Individual’s moral judgment is motivated by a need to avoid rejection, disaffection, or disapproval from others

6. Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation
Individual’s moral judgment is motivated by a need to not be criticized by a true authority figure

7. LEVEL III: Post-conventional Morality
Moral values reside in principles
Stage 5: Legalistic Orientation
Motivated by community respect for all, respecting social order, & living under legally determined laws

8. Stage 6: Universal, Ethical Orientation
By one’s own conscience
Most people never reach this level