STAGES OF
MORAL
DEVELOPMENT
Moral development is a complex psychological
process that explores how individuals form their
understanding of right and wrong, ethical decisionmaking, and their sense of justice. One prominent
theory in this field is Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages
of Moral Development. Kohlberg, building upon Jean
Piaget's cognitive development theory, proposed a
six-stage model that outlines the progression of
moral reasoning from childhood to adulthood.
THEORY OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT
The theory of moral development, primarily developed by psychologist
Lawrence Kohlberg, suggests that individuals progress through distinct
stages of moral reasoning as they mature. Kohlberg proposed three
main levels, each containing two stages:
pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional morality.
The theory focuses on how individuals think about right and wrong and
how their moral reasoning evolves over time.
3 LEVELS OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT
1.PRECONVENTIONAL MORALITY
2.CONVENTIONAL MORALITY
3.POST-CONVENTIONALL MORALITY
1. Preconventional (you scratch my back
and I will scratch yours)
2. Conventional (conforming to other's
expectations, regardless of immediate
consequences)
3. Post-conventional (determine moral
values apart from groups holding them)
The six stages of moral development were originally proposed
by Lawrence Kohlberg, an American psychologist, in his theory
of moral development. Kohlberg's theory, which builds on the
earlier work of Jean Piaget, suggests that individuals progress
through a series of stages in their moral reasoning as they age
and mature. Here are the six stages of moral development:
1(PRECONVENTIONAL)
2(CONVENTIONAL)
3(POST-CONVENTIONAL)
OBEDIENCE AND
PUNISHMENT
stage 1
INDIVIDUALISM
AND EXHANGE
stage 2
INTERPERSONAL
RELATIONSHIP[
stage 3
MAINTAINING
SOCIAL ORDER
stage 4
SOCIAL CONTRACT &
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS stage 5
UNIVERSAL
PRINCIPLES
stage 6
PRECONVENTIONAL LEVEL:
Stage 1 - Obedience and Punishment
Orientation: At this stage, individuals
focus on avoiding punishment. They obey
rules to avoid being physically punished.
Stage 2 - Individualism and Exchange: In
this stage, individuals begin to recognize
that there is more than one perspective.
They learn that different people have
different needs and interests and may
make deals to satisfy those needs.
CONVENTIONAL LEVEL:
Stage 3 - Interpersonal Relationships:
Individuals at this stage are concerned
with interpersonal relationships and the
approval of others. They want to be seen
as a good person and seek approval from
those around them.
Stage 4 - Maintaining Social Order: This
stage involves an understanding of
societal rules and the importance of
maintaining social order. Individuals at
this stage believe in obeying laws and
fulfilling duties to maintain a functional
society.
POST-CONVENTIONAL LEVEL:
Stage 5 - Social Contract and Individual
Rights: At this stage, individuals recognize
the importance of social contracts and the
need for a legal system that serves the
greater good. They understand that laws
can be changed for the benefit of society.
Stage 6 - Universal Principles: The highest
stage of moral development involves a
commitment to universal ethical principles.
Individuals at this stage develop their
moral code based on abstract principles of
justice, equality, and human dignity. They
may act according to their principles even
if it means breaking the law.
"Morality is not just a system for determining what is right or
wrong; it's a guide for living a good life."
- Atul Gawande
PRESENTED BY :
TUAGNON, ZYRAH
ROSALES,PAULEEN