Lawrence

Kohlbergs Theory
 Kolhbergs stages
Moral development is based on
moral reasoning and unfolds in a
series of stages.
A key concept Internalization
The development change from behavior
that is externally controlled to behavior
that is controlled by internal, self-
generated standards and principles.
LEVEL 1: PRECONVENTIONAL REASONING ( 3-7
YEARS OLD)
Stage 1: Punishment and obedience
orietation
Children see rules as fixed and absolute
Obeying the rules is important because
it means to avoid punishment.
E.g. The child wont grab the candy at
the supermarket for fear of being slap.
QUESTIONS:What must I do to avoid
punishment?
CRAP Comply Rules Apply Punishment
 Stage 2 : INDIVIDUALISM &
PURPOSE
Moral thinking based on rewards and self-
interest.
Children obey when they want to obey and
when it is in their nest interest to obey.
At this stage, what is right is what feels good
and what is rewarding.
E.g. A mother tells her child: If you are quiet
at the mall, I will buy you an ice-cream.
QUESTIONS: What must I do to avoid pain,
gain pleasure?
LEVEL 2: CONVENTIONAL REASONING (8 13
YEARS OLD)
 Stage 3: INTERPERSONAL NORMS
(Good girl/boy)
Good boy and good girl orientation
Individual acts to gain approval of others.
Good behaviour = good motives and
interpersonal feelings
Focus on living up to social expectations
and roles of the family and society
QUESTION:What must I do to be seen
as a good boy/girl (socially acceptable)?
 Stage 4: SOCIAL SYSTEM
MORALITY
Consider society as a whole when
making judgement
Moral judgements are based on
understanding the social order, law,
justice, duty.
E.g. An individual might say that it is
always wrong to steal because laws
that have been developed are for the
good of society.
QUESTION:What if everyone did that?
LEVEL 3: POSTCONVENTIONAL REASONING
(ADULTHOOD)
 Stage 5: COMMUNITY RIGHTS vs.
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS
Understands that values and laws are
relative and that standards may vary from
one person to another
The person recognizes that laws are
important for society but knows that laws
can be changed.
E.g. Believe that some values, such as
liberty, are more important than law.
QUESTIONS:What will bring
themostgood to the largest number of
people?
 Stage 6: UNIVERSAL ETHICAL
PRINCIPLES
Moral standard based on universal
human rights.
When faced with a conflict between
law and conscience, the person will
follow conscience, even tough the
decision might involve personal risk.
E.g. Demonstration
QUESTIONS:What is justice for all?
Kohlberg Dilemmas:
 WHO IS SPY?
3 rounds 6 people each round
In each round, there will be 4 citizens,
1 spy and 1 white board.
Pick a paper.
Spy will get a different word from
other citizens. White board will get a
blank paper.
Describe the word.
Choose the spy and white board.
THANK YOU