Lawrence Kohlberg developed a theory of moral development that focused on the cognitive and social processes that underlie the development of moral reasoning. According to Kohlberg, moral development is a lifelong process that occurs in stages. He identified three levels of moral development, each with two distinct stages:
The Preconventional Level:
This level is characterized by a focus on self-interest and obedience to rules.
Stage 1:
The Punishment and Obedience Orientation. At this stage, children see rules as fixed and absolute, and they obey them to avoid punishment.
Stage 2:
The Instrumental Relativist Orientation. At this stage, children begin to realize that rules can be bent for their own benefit, and they begin to think in terms of "What's in it for me?"
The Conventional Level:
This level is characterized by a focus on social norms and the expectations of others.
Stage 3:
The Good Boy/Girl Orientation. At this stage, children strive to meet the expectations of others and to be seen as "good" by their peers and authority figures.
Stage 4:
The Authority and Social-Order Maintaining Orientation. At this stage, children begin to see the importance of maintaining social order and the rules that keep society running smoothly.
The Postconventional Level:
This level is characterized by a focus on universal ethical principles and the greater good.
Stage 5:
The Social Contract Orientation. At this stage, individuals begin to understand that laws and social rules are created by people and can be changed if they don't serve the greater good.
Stage 6:
The Universal Ethical Principle Orientation. At this stage, individuals base their moral reasoning on universal principles such as justice, equality, and human rights, regardless of the laws and social rules in place.
Kohlberg's theory is not without criticism. Some critics argue that the theory overemphasizes justice and rights, and undervalues the role of emotions and care in moral development. Others argue that the theory is culturally biased and does not take into account the moral reasoning of people from non-Western cultures.
