Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral
Development
In connection with “Choices” in
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird
Lawrence Kohlberg



American Psychologist
Developed a sequence
of stages of moral
reasoning about right
and wrong
Kohlberg was not
interested in the
response of right and
wrong, but in the
reasoning behind the
decision
Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Reasoning
Kohlberg divided moral development into
three levels and six stages.
 Each level is a different stage of moral
reasoning

Level 1:
Preconventional Moral Reasoning
Judgment is based on personal needs and
others’ rules.

Stage 1: Punishment-Obedience
Orientation


Rules are obeyed to avoid punishment. A good or
bad action is determined by its physical
consequences. Authority figures determine
standards.
Stage 2: Personal Reward Orientation

Personal needs determine right and wrong. Favors
are returned along the lines of “You scratch my
back, I’ll scratch yours.” Eye for eye, same for all,
treat all the same. Focused on fairness.
Level 1:
Preconventional Moral Reasoning

Punishment-Obedience
Good or bad is determined by
physical consequences

Personal Reward
I’ll scratch your back if you
scratch mine
Level 2:
Conventional Moral Reasoning

Judgment is based on others’ approval, family
expectations, traditional values, the laws of
society, and loyalty to country.
Stage 3: Good Boy – Nice Girl Orientation


Good means “nice.” It is determined by what pleases, aids,
and is approved by others. Considers own feelings
(conscience) and feelings of others. Puts oneself in other’s
shoes. Follows stereotypes of right behavior of majority.
Stage 4: Laws and Order Orientation

Laws are absolute. Authority must be respected and the
social order maintained. Rigid, fixed rules are hard to
change. Respect for authority and majority rule.
Level 2:
Conventional Moral Reasoning

Good-Boy Nice-Girl
These two are dressed
appropriately for work to
please themselves and others

Laws and Order
Make sure to obey these signs!
Level 3:
Postconventional Moral Reasoning

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
 Good is determined by socially agreed-upon standards
of individual rights. Standards of behavior are critically
examined and socially agreed upon. Law can be
changed for the benefit of society. Making decisions
for the greater good.

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation
 Good and right are matters of individual conscience
and involve abstract concepts of justice, human
dignity, and equality.
TKM Discussion: Harry Potter &
the Half-Blood Prince

Scenario (plot):

Harry Potter kills “He who must not be named”
(Lord Voldemort).
TKM Discussion: Harry Potter

What was the decision or choice Harry
made?
Harry decides it is necessary for Lord
Voldemort to be killed.
TKM Discussion: Harry Potter

What Kohlberg level and stage of moral
reasoning is Harry Potter at?

Level 3, Stage 5.
It is wrong to kill, but Harry thinks about what is good
for both the wizard and the muggle society. He kills
Lord Voldemort for the greater good because Voldemort
is too destructive.
TKM Discussion: Romeo & Juliet

Scenario (plot):
After Romeo and Juliet are married, Mercutio
wants Romeo to fight Tybalt, but Romeo says he
won’t because he loves him, but won’t tell him
why. So, Mercutio instead picks a fight with
Tybalt.
TKM Discussion: Romeo & Juliet

What was the decision or choice made?
Mercutio decides to fight with Tybalt
-ORRomeo decides not to fight with Tybalt
TKM Discussion: Romeo & Juliet

What Kohlberg level and stage of moral
reasoning is Mercutio at?

Level 2, Stage 3
Mercutio desires to fulfill his stereotype expectations to
please others on his side of the family feud. He decides
then, to take action against Tybalt because he is
worried about what others think.
-OR-

Level 3, Stage 6
Romeo chooses not to fight Tybalt because of his individual
conscience, thinking about his beloved Juliet and his desire to
please her.