Stages of Moral development

Moral development of humans is a unique process that is continuously molded and

transformed by the environment negatively and positively. One’s moral development can be
observed through the years just like what Lawrence Kohlberg did. He developed his theory of
moral development by grouping children while they were still young and observed them in a
span of about twenty years. He analyzed these children’s behaviors, choices and interactions.

According to Kohlberg’s theory, there are 3 levels of moral development: Pre-

conventional, conventional, and Post Conventional. In these three levels there are 6 stages, 2
each level.

Under the Pre-conventional level is the Stage 1: Punishment; Authority Orientation in

which we think that obeying the rules and avoiding physical damage to persons and property is
what is right; Another stages under this is the Stage 2: Pleasure Orientation wherein what is right
is one’s immediate interest and letting others also act in their own interest, thus what is right is
what is fair.

In the conventional level, we are concerned with fulfilling role expectations which
includes: Stage 3: Peer and Group Acceptance is when we seek of other approval in order to
belong; stage 4: Legalistic Orientation in which we do our roles as law-abiding citizens which
we believe is right.

The last level is the Post Conventional, here one examines, adopts and applies the
different ethical frameworks. This includes the; Stage 5: Common Good which comprises of the
individual rights and standards that have been examined and agreed upon; Stage 6: Universal
Ethical Principles which was not observed by Kohlberg but according to this stage is when we
perceive right as being the self-chosen ethical principles that are universal, irreversible and
consistent.

Kohlberg’s theory of Moral Development made me understand how humans evolve

through their moral capacity and how they understand and react to different environments in
their different ages. This theory will let you more comprehend that everyone is growing not only
physically but also mentally and emotionally. Through the years we learn on how to cope with
our environment and later on understand and apply it. Through this learning, I may understand
why people in different ages react on certain situations and dilemmas.