Kohlberg’s

Theory of Moral
Development
Lawrence Kohlberg built on Piaget’s
work, and set the groundwork for
the present debate within
psychology on moral development.
Like Piaget, he believed that children
form ways of thinking through their
experiences which include
understandings of moral concepts
such as justice, rights, equality and
human welfare.
He did not aim to judge whether the
responses were right or wrong.
He was interested in analyzing the
moral reasoning behind the
responses. From his research,
Kohlberg identified six stages of
moral reasoning grouped into three
major levels.
 Kohlberg's Stages
Pre-conventional level
• Stage 1: The punishment and obedience orientation
• Stage 2:Mutual Benefit
Conventional level
• Stage 3: Social Approval
• Stage 4:Law and Order
Post-conventional level
• Stage 5: The social-contract
• Stage 6: The universal Principles
1.Preconventional Level
Moral reasoning is based
on the consequences/result
of the act, not on the
wether the act itself is
good or bad.
Punishment/ Obedience.
One is motivated by
fear of punishment.
He will act in order to
avoid punishment.
Mutual benefit

One is motivated to act by

the benefit that one may
obtain later. You scratch
my back, I'll scratch yours.
2.Conventional
Moral reasoning is based
on the conventions or
“norms” of society. This
may include approval of
others, law and order.
Social Approval
One is motivated by what others
expect in behavior - good boy,
good girl. The person acts because
he/she values how he/she will
appear to other. He/she gives
important on what people will
think or say.
Law and Order.
One is motivated to act in
order to uphold law and
order. The will follow the
law because it is the law.
3.Post-conventional
Moral reasoning is based
on enduring or consistent
principles. It is not just
recognizing the law, but
the principles behind the
law.
Social Contract
Laws that are wrong can be
changed. One will act based
on social justice and the
common good.
Universal Principles
This is associated with the
development of one conscience.
Having a set of standard that
drives one to posses moral
responsibility to make societal
changes regardless of
consequences to oneself.