LAWRENCE KOHLBERG

( October 25, 1927 – January 19, 198

7)
- American psychologist best known for
his theory of stages of moral developme
nt.
- served as a professor in the Psycholo
gy Department at the University of Chic
ago and at the Graduate School of Educa
tion at Harvard University.
KOHLBERG'S THEORY OF MORAL DEVEL
OPMENT
• is a theory that focuses on how
children develop morality and
moral reasoning.

• The theory also suggests that

moral logic is primarily focused on
seeking and maintaining justice.
 Moral Development
• is the gradual development
of an individuals concept of
right or wrong –conscious,
religious values, social
attitudes and certain
behaviour
 Moral Dilemmas
• are situations in which the decision-maker must
consider two or more moral values or duties but can
only honor one of them; thus, the individual will
violate at least one important moral concern,
regardless of the decision.

• moral dilemma exists when available choices and

obligations do not allow for moral outcomes. In such
instances, a choice or an action is anticipated or
required, and all of the available alternatives violate
some moral obligation.
 Kohlberg's six stages
Pre-Conventional Moral Development
> Stage 1
> Stage 2
Conventional Moral Development
> Stage 3
> Stage 4
Post-Conventional Moral Development
> Stage 5
> Stage 6
STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT
• Kohlberg's theory is broken dow
n into three primary levels.

Level 1. Pre- conventional

Level 2. Conventional

Level 3. Post- Conventional

(Principled)
 Level 1. Preconventional Mora
lity
( 0-9 years)
• is the earliest period of moral development. It lasts until around

the age of 9.

• At this age, children's decisions are primarily shaped by the

expectations of adults and the consequences for breaking the

rules
 There are 2 stages in Pre-Conventional Level

Stage 1
(Obedience and Punishment)
• The earliest stages of moral development, obedience and
punishment are especially common in young children, but adults
are also capable of expressing this type of reasoning.
• According to Kohlberg, people at this stage see rules as fixed
and absolute.
• Obeying the rules is important because it is a way to avoid
punishment.
 There are 2 stages in Pre-Conventional Level

Stage 2
(Individualism and Exchange)
• At the individualism and exchange stage of moral development,
children account for individual points of view and judge actions based
on how they serve individual needs.

• In the Heinz dilemma, children argued that the best course of action
was the choice that best served Heinz’s needs.

•Reciprocity is possible at this point in moral development, but only if

it serves one's own interests.
Level 2. Conventional Mora
lity
(10 -15)
• Moral development is marked by the acceptance
of social rules regarding what is good and moral.
• During this time, adolescents and adults
internalize the moral standards they have learned
from their role models and from society.
Stage 3 - "good boy-good gir
l" orientation
• this stage of the interpersonal relationship of moral development is
focused on living up to social expectations and roles.
• There is an emphasis on conformity, being "nice," and consideration
of how choices influence relationships
• Finds peer approval very important
•Feels that intensions are as important as deeds and expects others to
accept
intentions or promises in place of deeds
• Begins to put himself/herself in another’s shoes and think from
another perspective
 Stage 4
( Maintaining Social Order)
• This stage is focused on ensuring that social order is
maintained.
• moral development, people begin to consider society
as a whole when making judgments.
•The focus is on maintaining law and order by following
the rules, doing one’s duty, and respecting authority
Level 3: Post- Conventiona
l Morality (Principled)

•At this level of moral development, people

develop an understanding of abstract
principles of morality.
 Stage 5
( Social Contract and Indi
vidual Right)
•The ideas of a social contract and individual rights cause
people in the next stage to begin to account for the
differing values, opinions, and beliefs of other people.
• Rules of law are important for maintaining a society, but
members of the society should agree upon these
standards.
 Stage 6
( Universal Principles)
•Kohlberg’s final level of moral reasoning is based
on universal ethical principles and abstract
reasoning.
•At this stage, people follow these internalized
principles of justice, even if they conflict with laws
and rules.
 Criticism of Kohlberg's
Theory of Moral Developme
nt
Kohlberg's theory played an important role in the development

of moral psychology. While the theory has been highly

influential, aspects of the theory have been critiqued for a

number of reasons:
 Criticism of Kohlberg's

Theory of Moral Develop

ment
Does moral reasoning necessarily lead to moral
behavior?
Kohlberg's theory is concerned with moral
thinking, but there is a big difference between
knowing what we ought to do versus our actual
actions.
 Criticism of Kohlberg's
Theory of Moral Development
Is justice the only aspect of moral reasoning we
should consider?

Critics have pointed out that Kohlberg's theory of moral

development overemphasizes the concept as justice when
making moral choices. Other factors such as compassion, caring,
and other interpersonal feelings may play an important part in
moral reasoning.
 Criticism of Kohlberg's
Theory of Moral Development
Does Kohlberg's theory overemphasize Western
philosophy?
Individualistic cultures emphasize personal rights
while collectivist cultures stress the importance of
society and community. Eastern cultures may have
different moral outlooks that Kohlberg's theory does
not account for.
 References
https://educationaltechnology.net/stages-of-moral-development-lawrence-kohlberg/
https://studiousguy.com/kohlberg-moral-development-theory/
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Kohlbergs-Stages-of-Moral-Development_fig1_300498497
http://www.samyoung.co.nz/2017/01/kohlbergs-stages-of-moral-development.
html https://www.verywellmind.com/kohlbergs-theory-of-moral-development-2795071
https://www.verywellmind.com/kohlbergs-theory-of-moral-development-2795071
https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/Lawrence-Kohlbergs-Six-Stages-of-Moral-Development
https://www.thoughtco.com/kohlbergs-stages-of-moral-development-4689125
https://medium.com/thrive-global/moral-dilemma-stories-a-great-way-to-educate-entertain-and-inspir
e-all-at-the-same-time-56ef4615b6ce
Thank you!
 Prepared By:
Group 4
Jessie F. Talisic Jr.
John Irish Lobenia
Jimber P. Gaon
Jonie M. Magdaong
Jhenen L. Tuella
Jomalene M. Benavente
Julie C. Lusuegro