Kohlberg
Kohlberg described six stages of moral development which can be grouped into three levels (Colby 2011).
Kohlberg's stages of moral development
Please note that the age ranges for Kohlberg's developmental stages are rough guides and that sources vary widely.
Kohlberg developed his stage theory following an experiment which he conducted on 72 boys, aged 10-16. He presented them with a series of moral dilemmas such as the classic Heinz dilemma. The theory is therefore critisised as sexist as it only included boys.
Colby A (2011) The Measurement of Moral Judgment, Volume 1. Cambridge University Press, 17 Feb, p.140.
Kohlberg's stages of moral development
| Level | Age | Stage | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preconventional | 0-9 years | Obedience and punishment orientation | Focus is on direct consequence of action |
| Self-interest orientation | Right behaviour defined purely by what is in the individual's own interest | ||
| Conventional | 9-20 years | Interpersonal accord and conformity | Focus is on how the individual will appear to others |
| Authority and social order obedience driven | What is lawful is judged to be morally right | ||
| Postconventional | 20 and onwards | Social contract orientation | Whatever provides the greatest good for the greatest number of people is correct |
| Universal ethical principles driven | The right action is the one that is consistent with abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles |
Please note that the age ranges for Kohlberg's developmental stages are rough guides and that sources vary widely.
Kohlberg developed his stage theory following an experiment which he conducted on 72 boys, aged 10-16. He presented them with a series of moral dilemmas such as the classic Heinz dilemma. The theory is therefore critisised as sexist as it only included boys.
Colby A (2011) The Measurement of Moral Judgment, Volume 1. Cambridge University Press, 17 Feb, p.140.
