1. Moral Development

2. Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development
Assessed moral reasoning by posing hypothetical moral dilemmas and examining the reasoning behind people’s answers
Proposed six stages, each taking into account a broader portion of the social world

3. Levels of Moral Reasoning
Preconventional—moral reasoning is based on external rewards and punishments
Conventional—laws and rules are upheld simply because they are laws and rules
Postconventional—reasoning based on personal moral standards

4. Level One - Preconventional Moral Reasoning
Characterized by the desire to avoid punishment or gain reward
Typically children under the age of 9

5. Level One – Preconventional morality
Stage 1 – fear punishment for disobedience
The physical consequences of a behavior (punishment or lack of it) determine the behavior’s goodness or badness

6. Stage 2 – in their best interest to obey
Level One – continued
Stage 2 – in their best interest to obey
Good behavior is that which satisfies one’s own needs and occasionally the needs of others. A degree of fairness exists, but it always has a practical application
If you give me this, I’ll give you something in return

7. Level 2. Conventional Moral Reasoning
Primary concern is to fit in and play the role of a good citizen
People have a strong desire to follow the rules and laws.
Typical of most adults

8. Stage 3 – based on conformity and loyalty
Level 2 – continued
Stage 3 – based on conformity and loyalty
Good behavior is that which pleases others. There is a great deal of conformity, and behaviors are usually judged by intention

9. Stage 4 – a “law-and-order” orientation
Level 2 – Continued
Stage 4 – a “law-and-order” orientation
Good behavior are those that show respect for authority , fixed rules, and maintained of the status quo for its own sake

10. Level 3. Post conventional Moral Reasoning
Characterized by references to universal ethical principles that represent the rights or obligations of all people
Most adults do not reach this level.

11. Level 3 – Continued
Stage 5 – values and laws are relative and change; recognition that people hold differing standards
Good behavior are those that uphold individual rights while meeting the standards have been consensually validated by the society

12. Stage 6 – standard based on universal human rights
Level 3 – continued
Stage 6 – standard based on universal human rights
Good behaviors are those that transcend standards set by any social or legal group. Decisions are based on individual conscience and involve abstract principles of universal equality and justice

13. Limitations to theory
Stage theory tends to over look cultural and educational influences on reasoning
People’s moral reasoning is often inconsistent across situations
Moral reasoning and behavior are often unrelated