1. Lawrence Kohlberg 1927-1987 Stages of Moral Development

2. Principle Social Contract Law and Order Pleasing Others Self-Interest Reward/Punishment Level III Post-Conventional Level I Pre-Conventional Level II Conventional

3. Stage 1: Reward/Punishment Right or wrong are determined by the reward or punishment that accompanies the action. Children associate right with “yes” actions (hug, kiss, treat, smile) and wrong with “no” actions (scowl, sent to room, taking something away). Good therefore, means earning a reward and avoiding punishment (“It’s good as long as I don’t get caught”). Basic criminal mentality. Examples: Cheating on a test as long as there is no risk of getting caught Not reporting hitting a parked car if no one saw it Having sex as long as protection is used ** Many teenagers and adults operate at this level of moral development.

4. Stage 2: Self-Interest “Me First” attitude Right is based on what makes “me” feel good (satisfied, gratified, pleasure); wrong is based on what makes “me” feel bad (discomfort, hurt, dissatisfied). Basis for moral decisions is essentially selfish  the needs of others are considered only insofar as they affect the individual (“If I do this for you, what will I get in return?”). Reverse Golden Rule Examples: Not “picking on” others so as not to be picked on ** Many adults will operate at this level of moral development for the rest of their lives.

5. Stage 3: Pleasing Others Right or wrong depends mainly on what pleases or displeases others. “Good boy” / “Good girl” mentality When a decision receives approval, it is right; when a decision is disapproved, it is wrong. “Everybody does it” / peer pressure Highly pronounced level of morality for teenagers (acceptance). Examples: Skipping school because friends are Partying to be part of the “in” crowd Having sex with boyfriend/girlfriend to “keep” them ** According to Kohlberg’s research, many adults never even reach this stage!

7. Stage 4: Law and Order Right is based on obedience to the law and legitimate authority. Something that is legally right must be morally right. The law mentality translates into any group or society to which the individual belongs (ie. religion, community, government). Limited room for individual thought process or judgment. Examples: Ok to drink if parents approve Ok to have sexual intercourse if parents do not mind

8. Stage 5: Social Contract “What society stands for” Looks to those generally agreed upon norms and rights upon which society is based. If the laws support these standards, then laws are to be obeyed; but if laws contradict these standards, then grounds for civil disobedience. Laws are not norms in and of themselves; they are capable of being changed for the sake of the greater, common purpose. Many do not reach this stage...examples: Vandalism at school – social concern or against school rules? Not speeding – right to life or fear of being caught?

9. Stage 6: Principle Highest level of moral development. People operate morally based on universal ethical principles. Not concrete rules or commandments, but rather the basis of laws and commandments – they are good in and of themselves. Right is viewed as following one’s informed conscience which follows guidelines that go beyond the good of the individual or the good of society – rooted in love and compassion (agape). Complete respect and understanding for the dignity of all humanity and creation. Willing to risk punishment when seeking the greater good; set aside self-interest. Golden Rule

10. Think About It:  People move from stage to stage of moral growth as they mature.  No one skips stages; people move from one to another. A person may slip back a stage or two in certain areas of decision making or when under stress.  Some people never move beyond Stage 1 or 2.  Learning to make good choices now and growing in Christ will help a person reach Stage 6, which is a level of deep, personal maturity and freedom.