Introduction

This module tackles the six stages of moral development grouped

into 3 levels in which each level presents significant change in the
social-moral reasoning. As you explore this material, your personal level
of moral reasoning will be enhanced. There are activities provided so
to strengthen your learnings that you can get out of the topic.
Reflective analysis is also a part of the module to solicit from you how
much you have learned.

As you journey on this lesson, you are expected to:

 Cite situations for each stage of
moral development

1. Explain the six stages of Kohlberg’s

Moral Development
2. Analyze a person’s level of moral
reasoning based on his responses to
moral dilemmas
3. Classify moral reasoning to different
stages and levels

Are you ready for today’s lesson? This time, you are tasked to read
the texts below and be able to comprehend it well.
A Glimpse of Lawrence Kohlberg’s Life

Lawrence Kohlberg was such an interesting, if not intriguing person. He was born
wealthy, but chose to be a sailor and began to be interested in moral reasoning. He
helped smuggle Jews through a British blockade in Palestine during World War II. Kohlberg
is known for his theory of moral development which was influenced by Piaget and Dewey’s
theories. He believed that people progressed in their ability to reason morally through six
stages, with three levels largely by social interaction.

KOHLBERG’S THEORY OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Level Stage Description

Pre-conventional Level 1 Punishment/Obedience
Moral reasoning is One is motivated by fear of punishment. He will
based on the act in order to avoid punishment.
consequence/result of
2 Mutual Benefit
the act, not on the
One is motivated to act by the benefit that one
whether the act itself is
may obtain later. Example: “You scratch my back,
good or bad.
I’ll scratch yours”.
Conventional 3 Social Approval
Moral reasoning is One is motivated by what others expect in
based on the conventions behavior – good boy, good girl. The person acts
or “norms” of society. This because he/she values how he/she will appear to
may include approval of others. He/She gives importance on what other
others, law and order. people will think or say.
4 Law and Order
One is motivated to act in order to uphold law
and order. The person will follow the law because
it is the law.
Post-conventional 5 Social Contract
Moral reasoning is Laws that are wrong can be changed. One will
based on enduring or act based on social justice and the common
consistent principles, it is good.
not just recognizing the 6 Universal Principles
law, but the principles This is associated with the development of
behind the law. one’s conscience. Having a set of standards that
drives one to possess moral responsibility to make
societal changes, regardless of consequences to
oneself. Examples of persons are Mother Theresa,
Martin Luther King, Jr.
 Now that you have read the text above, it is expected that you are
ready to answer the following exercises. Please answer them with
sincerity.

Direction: Do the following tasks and write your answers briefly and
concisely. Use separate sheet of paper for your answer.

1. Explain briefly in your own words the different stages of moral development.
2. Analyze the following statements and classify them to what level and stage of
moral development it belongs. Complete the table below.

Statement Level Stage

1. In this case, the rule may be
wrong.
2. I’ll let you copy mine if you do
my homework.
3. You can’t do that because the
teacher said no.
4. I would cheat if I knew I
wouldn’t get caught.
5. You shouldn’t lie because it
violates the Golden Rule.
6. I’m not going to tell because I
want her to like me.

Direction: Cite 2 situations for each stage of moral development.

 Stage Situation
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
Stage 6

Since you are done with all the activities above, it’s time for you to
reflect about the topic. Are you ready?

Directions: Write your reflection about the topic in 150 words. Use separate
sheet of paper for your own answer.

From the topic about theory of moral development, I realized that…

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

1. Corpuz, B.B., Lucas, MR. D., Borabo, HD. L. & Lucido, P. I. (2018). The
Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles, Lorimar
Publishing Inc., Quezon City, Philippines.
2. Corpuz, B.B., Lucas, MR. D., Borabo, HD. L. & Lucido, P. I. (2010). The
Child and Adolescent Development: Looking at Learners at Different
Life Stages, Lorimar Publishing Inc., Quezon City, Philippines.
3. Rathus, S. A. (1998). Psychology: Principles in Practice, Holt, Rinehart
and Winston, Harcourt Brace & Company, USA