3.3 Moral Development

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg proposed that moral reasoning develops in stages. The preconventional level bases morality on avoiding punishment/seeking reward. The conventional level bases morality on social rules, laws, and approval from others. The postconventional level bases morality on abstract, self-defined ethical principles that may override laws. People progress through these in order, though not everyone reaches the highest level.

How Kohlberg Studied Morality

Kohlberg presented participants with moral dilemmas (e.g., the Heinz dilemma, stealing medicine to save a spouse) and analyzed the reasoning behind their answers, not whether the choice was right or wrong. Two people could make the same choice but be at different stages depending on their justification.

Criticisms and Alternatives

Critics argue Kohlberg's theory is culturally biased toward Western, individualist values and overemphasizes justice. Carol Gilligan argued Kohlberg's theory reflected a male perspective focused on rules and rights, and proposed that moral reasoning can also emphasize an ethic of care, focusing on relationships, compassion, and interpersonal responsibility, which she felt was more common in women's reasoning.

Key terms

Kohlberg's Preconventional Level

Moral reasoning based on avoiding punishment and seeking rewards; self-interest driven.

Kohlberg's Conventional Level

Moral reasoning based on following social rules, laws, and gaining approval from others.

Kohlberg's Postconventional Level

Moral reasoning based on abstract, self-defined ethical principles that may override laws.

Moral Dilemma (e.g., Heinz Dilemma)

A hypothetical scenario used by Kohlberg to study the reasoning behind moral decisions, not the decision itself.

Carol Gilligan's Ethic of Care

A view of morality emphasizing relationships, compassion, and interpersonal responsibility, proposed as a critique of Kohlberg's justice-based theory.

Try an AP-style question

Which Kohlberg level?

1. Conventional
2. Formal operational
3. Preconventional
4. Postconventional