kohlberg's

Theory of moral development

Presented by

Angelina

Rikiardus
Biography
Lawerence Kohlberg born in 1927
Grew up in Bronxville, New York
Died on January 17th, 1987 at the age of 59
Kohlberg became a professor of education and social
psychology at Harvard in 1968
His book on moral development is used by teachers around
the world to promote moral reasoning.
 What Is Moral Development ?

Moral development is a continual process that occurs throughout the lifespan.

 3 LEVELS OF MORAL
REASONING

1. PRE-CONVENTIONAL
MORALITY

2. CONVENTIONAL
MORALITY

3. pOST-CONVENTIONAL
MORALITY
 PRE-CONVENTIONAL

Age : 4 - 9

The first level in Kohlberg's theory is the pre-conventional level of

moral development. This level of development has two stages and is
based on punishments and rewards. In other words, people who are
functioning at the pre-conventional level of development make
decisions on right and wrong to earn rewards or avoid punishments.
 SIX STAGES
Theory of moral development

rules are judging actions Conforming

fixed and according to and being
absolute individual needs "nice"

respecting considering ethical principles

authority individual and abstract
rights reasoning
 CONVENTIONAL

Age : 10 - 13

The second level, the conventional level of moral development, also

has two stages, but focuses more on parental rules and societal
laws. People at this level of moral development base their decisions
on what their parents and/or law enforcement says is right.
 SIX STAGES
Theory of moral development

rules are judging actions Conforming

fixed and according to and being
absolute individual needs "nice"

respecting considering ethical principles

authority individual and abstract
rights reasoning
 post-CONVENTIONAL

Adolescence - Adulthood

the post-conventional level of moral development, which

also has two stages. People at this level moral development
based their decisions on ethical principles related to
humanity .
 SIX STAGES
Theory of moral development

rules are judging actions Conforming

fixed and according to and being
absolute individual needs "nice"

respecting considering ethical principles

authority individual and abstract
rights reasoning