Now that you know about the stages of moral development, where do you think you

are now?
On the blank page provided below, draw a chart showing your moral
development. On the next page, explain your chart and give example for each stage of
your moral development up to that stage you think you are now.

Universal
Principles
Contract on
social and
human
freedom
Preservation
of social order
Good
Interpersonal
Exchange Relationships
and
Orientationof Individualism
obedience
and
punishment

Post-conventional
Pre-conventional Level
Level

Stage 1: Orientation of obedience and punishment

In their decision-making, the first stage highlights the self-interest of

children as they attempt to escape retribution at all costs. They assume the laws are
supposed to be enforced at a young age and those in charge will certainly follow
through with punishment. Due to the minimal association that kids have with the
outlined values, this stage is called pre-conventional. The ethics taught was viewed by
them as what culture implements, not as what they internalize themselves.

Stage 2: Exchange and Individualism

This stage observes as children begin to accept the views taught, but still,
acknowledge that for each topic there is more than one point of view. Each person is
distinct and would thus have a specific viewpoint according to their interests. The
second stage largely depends on the exchanging of favors and can be illustrated by
asking "what is it for me?" in popular marketing. Children are not inspired by friendship
or respect at this point, but by the personal benefits involved.
Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

This process recognizes the need to be welcomed into societal communities

as well as how the result affects each person. Usually, pre-teens or early adolescents
are in the third level and have now accepted social expectations as their own. While
they agree that individuals in their cultures can act properly, they understand that there
is no easy approach to moral dilemmas.

Stage 4: Preservation of social order

Laws and social order reign supreme in this phase. Rules and laws must
be enforced and obeyed. Level four reflects a person's spiritual growth as a member of
a whole society. Each person becomes more mindful of the effect on others of
everyone's actions and now reflects on their own job, compliance with the laws, and
obeying the authorities. While the intimate relationships with family and friends are
illustrated in stage three, stage four aims to preserve social order in the group.

Stage 5: Contract on social and human freedom

This process identifies the emergence of abstract thinking as individuals struggle

to justify different actions. In the fifth step, participants continue to ask about "What
makes a good society possible?" They should step back and analyze each scenario in
its entirety, focusing on what is good and just. Reflecting on a new community's
principles and ethics helps them to resolve contradictions with their beliefs to aim and
correct anything they may not comply with.

Stage 6: Universal Principles

The final stage notes that personal principles are the foundation of moral
thought. To accept the use of justice in moral judgment, the sixth stage was developed.
As a basis for what is proper and just, basic, common morals and ethics are used.
There are also abstract ideas that cannot be described explicitly, only illustrated. All
values that form the basis of fundamental ideas are equity, fairness, dignity, and
respect. Laws and regulations are successful only if they support the basic values that
each entity works to uphold at this level.