Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development is a theory that explains the development of moral reasoning in individuals. According to Kohlberg, moral development follows a series of six progressive stages, each of which is more capable of responding adequately to moral dilemmas than previous ones. These six stages, in turn, can be grouped into three general levels: the pre-conventional, the conventional, and the post-conventional.

In this video, we will discuss Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development. We start by giving a short background of the theory, then describe each of its levels and stages.

Lawrence Kohlberg (October 25, 1927–January 19, 1987) was an American psychologist best known for his theory of stages of moral development. He served as a professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Chicago and at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. He is credited for creating the field "moral development" within psychology and is considered to be the 30th most eminent psychologist of the 20th century.

Video Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:37 Short Background

2:22 Level 1: Pre-Conventional
2:56 Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation
3:22 Stage 2: Instrumental Purpose Orientation

3:54 Level 2: Conventional
4:26 Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl Orientation
5:02 Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation

5:35 Level 3: Post-Conventional
6:21 Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
6:58 Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles Orientation

8:10 Criticisms

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SOURCES

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Language and Ideas

[kennethjohnnavera]

Kenneth John C. Navera ACT IT-2-S

What stage of moral development do you think you are currently in?


As per my evaluation, I can conclude that I am in Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation.Because, in this stage it acknowledges the introduction of abstract reasoning as people attempt to explain specific behaviors. For example, the man should steal the medication for his wife because she is deathly ill and the laws do not take the circumstances into account also, respondents basically believe that a good society is best conceived as a social contract into which people freely enter to work toward the benefit of all They recognize that different social groups within a society will have different values, but they believe that all rational people would agree on two points. We must learn to value other by respecting their privacy and accepting that we may others by respecting their privacy and accepting that we may hold opposing viewpoints I see myself in this stage because I also have a mindset of seeing the world with different from others. Our values and beliefs, should also be appreciated because this things teach us on how to be a good and sit in our society . This is the stage where I currently see myself.

[francochristianpepino]

Franco Christian Pepino
ACT-IT 2 S

My moral development stage is at post conventional, because the laws and values of the society for me matters. And base on the questions before this, I have develop and realized that post conventional fits my current stage in moral development

[vinceivanmejares]

Vince Ivan M. Mejares, ACT IT 2 – S


QUESTION: Which stage of moral development you’re currently in?


ANSWER: I can say that I am at the stage 5 of moral development which is already at the post-conventional level. I am able to determine this because I always see myself to be right or wrong, depending on the situation I’m in. Certainly, most of the time if I am wrong, I will just accept the fact that I am wrong and just move on even if it hurts in my part that I made the wrong decision. So, I consider that morality of myself belonged to the stage 5 of moral development, base on the thought that I decide universally and personally with no questions if I followed the societal rules or not.

[jowesanon]

Joyce Ann M. Antolihao ACT IT 2 S

I think I am more at stage 5, Social Contract Orientation. I've known well that we all have our differences in all things, may it be one's perspective, views, or even stance. I have developed that morality of mine through hard situations and various people with unique principles. I get to adopt, learn, and widen my views and virtues mainly because of what's happening around me.

[bernalmikejoshua]

Mike Joshua G. Bernal BSCE 2-P

What stage of moral development do you think you're currently in?

I think the moral development I'm currently in is Stage 3 which is Good boy/Good girl orientation. I'm now going through this period because I try to be a "nice boy" in order to meet society's expectations. I'm always worried about how other people's opinions and judgments influence my social norms. I'm friendly and constantly show respect for others, especially my family. As a son, I respect my parents and always follow their instructions. I have a large number of friends, and I attempt to live up to their expectations. I've always been friendly and helpful to them because I don't want to irritate them. I admit that it is difficult for me to live up to society's expectations since I am continuously influenced by the thoughts, opinions, and approval of others. However, I constantly remember that doing good provides a better life to both yourself and others; embrace yourself to do good and be the reason that someone believes in people's kindness.

[jeizryllglennlumapas]

Jeiz Ryll Glenn Lumapas ACT IT 2-S

Which stage of moral development you're currently in?
- As of today, I could say that I am Stage 3: Good boy/ Good nice girl orientation in Level 2: Conventional. It is because I am self-conscious and always aware of the consequences of every actions that I made. I've been trying my best to reach other people's expectations. I know it is really hard to reach people's expectations but I know to myself that I'm doing it in the good way. Not only because I did it for the people to appreciate me, but for me to also challenge myself to be the reason for everyone's smile and to be the symbol of goodness.

[zebedeeanduyan]

Zebedee T. Anduyan ACT IT 2 C

Which stage of moral development do you think you're currently in?

Answer: At this point in my life, I believe I am at a point where I have my own moral principles and I am beginning to recognize that my moral value is not the same as that of society. I am currently in the post-conventional stage, stage 5. Whereas I am unconcerned about society's standard of living, I live according to what I believe is right and is true to who I am. I believe I am at a point in my life where everyone has their own point of view on everything and being different is completely acceptable. Acceptance is essential, and let us break the stigma that if someone has a different opinion, we condemn them; instead, let us simply love and respect one another.

[Macasyr]

Mark Darrel A. Sumaylo ACT-IT 2 S

Which stage of moral development do you think you’re currently in?
Stage 2: Instrumental Purpose Orientation & Stage 3: Good Boy / Nice Girl Orientation
The fact that I grow up being outcast in our town since I was a kid being bullied up till present. Being decent person doesn’t define in order to live up to society’s expectations. But being good person is free without society defines who I am. Still being private person, hate-socializing and likes to be alone I’m more on stage 2 which only satisfying my personal needs. As long as I don’t bother others and them not bothering me even how they act nor their moral behavior is good enough for me.

[bojomojo]

Eljielo M. Dayola BSCRIM 2- CAA

Good morning everyone!

Lesson 4
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
How mature are you morally?
- I can handle things calmly in any terms of consequence. Moral dilemas can be challenging but I can make and solve things calmly and with my own self.
Have you ever wondered why other people behave the way they do?
- I do wondered why, but in my own experience it is only natural on how we experience in any kinds of situation we are in. We can learn from it and get away from it. If there are no progress or change on what you have been living then you will act accordingly on how the way you do.



This week’s lesson is going to help you answer these questions!

[rileyyap]

Yap, Jomuel Hidalgo ACT-IT 1 GE8-S

Which stage of moral development do you think you’re currently in?

At my age, I think I am in the Post-Conventional stage of Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development. Based upon the YouTube video that I have watched, it was explained that individuals at this stage are most likely governed by universal laws or principles in which they aligned their values and characters in every situation they are into. Also, person/s at this stage uses their high-level of cognitive skills to assess how they perceive human and society especially if it compromises an individual’s rights and does not promote the interests of the majority. In addition, a person’s action at this stage is also determined by Universal Ethical Principles Orientation – meaning, individuals have already set their own moral guidelines regardless if it may or may not fit the law such as social justice, human rights, equality, etc. Though it was explained in the video that this stage can be ill-defined or abstract, since according to Kohlberg, most people do not get at this level of moral reasoning because they are usually influence by the views from those surrounding them (stimulus).
To answer the question (Which stage of moral development do you think you’re currently in?),  a lot of tough decisions will come through my way. These decisions that I am basing is not just merely from anyone’s comment/opinion but based from my own perspective on how I understand a certain action or situation regardless if it may or not fit to society’s set of principles. To fully understand this, one best example is the upcoming May 2022 Philippine Elections in which every person will exercise their right to suffrage base on how we Filipinos assess each running candidate which we perfectly think suits for a position in the national government. At the end of the day, we may have a lot of differences, opinions, views on every candidate, but the most important thing is how we use our power to vote for the betterment of the society. That I think is my basis on how I can apply, Kohlberg’s theory of moral development.

[jvmontescalilung]

Jv M. Calilung ACT-IT 2-S

Which stage of moral development do you think you're currently in?

- I am currently in stage 4 of moral growth, which is Law and Order Orientation. This stage discusses the ethical dimensions of decision-making. We seek the advice of others to make a decision that is more convenient for ourselves. This pertains to the law and the norms that keep the peace. So you'd know how things would turn out based on that situation. Clearly in this stage of mine i know what is wrong and what is right.

[allanlloydespina]

Espina, Allan Lloyd L. ACT - IT 2S

ACTIVITY #4
WHICH STAGE OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE CURRENTLY IN?

Based on the video presentation, I can relate on Social Contract Orientation or Stage 5 of Kohlberg's stages of moral development because I know how to overcome or handle other's opinion. Sometimes I tend to do things no matter what other people think. I think the consequences are lesser than what I will attain.

[janessacapilitan]

Janessa B. Capilitan ACT-IT 2S

Which stage of moral development do you think you’re currently in?

Which stage of moral development I’m currently in, well based in the video I think I belong to stage 5 or the Social Contract Information. In the video it’s stated that the people in stage 5 understand and respect other people’s perspective even though everyone of us is different from each other. I can myself in this stage, because I honestly understand and respect each other’s perspective, we clearly have our own differences so why can’t we just show some respect and everything will be in a good term. We cannot just force somebody just because they do not fit in your perspective, you have to respect their decision whether you like it or not because it is their way of seeing things and not yours.

[salmerdalubajan]

Salmer L. Dalubajan ACT-IT 2-S

1. Which stage of moral development do you think you're currently in?

After watching the video, I consider myself that I belong to stage 5: Social Contract Orientation. I always see the world with many differences. Each one of us has a unique perspective and different mindsets. Even if we have different perspective, we should respect with each other and know the value of rules to maintain a harmonized society.

[richardbagaipo]

Richard Bagaipo ACT IT 2 S
which stage of moral development do you think you're currently in?

- In stage 6, moral reasoning is based on abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles. The chosen ideals are generally abstract rather than specific, focusing on concepts like equality, dignity, and respect. Laws are only valid inasmuch as they are based on justice, and a commitment to justice entails disobedience of unjust laws. People pick the ethical ideals they want to follow, and they feel bad if they break them.

[icygrafe]

Name: Icy Grafe ACT IT 2-S

Which stage of moral development do you think you're correctly in ?
- The stage of moral development that I'm currently in is good boy/ nice girl orientation. My family see me as a quite, serious and smart girl so they expect that someday I'll be successful. I cannot disappoint them so Im trying to live their expectations. Even if it's hard, I still try because i dont want to shame them with my other relatives. Being a good girl in the strict perfectionist family is not easy.

[elthonalonsagay]

Angel Babes B. Napuli
ACT-IT 2-S



Question:
What stage of moral development do you think you are currently in?


Answer:

I believe I am currently at stage 5, which is Social Contact and Orientation. Individuals are seen as having diverse ideals and opinions at this point. I perceive myself at this level since I frequently break several boundaries in my life for my own interest. I have a tendency to act without regard for how others perceive me. As long as I don't hurt anyone, but I follow the regulations when it comes to laws. Everyone has different opinions, and I have mine as well; no one can understand us unless they are aware of our positions. We simply need to respect each other's life choices.

[jovilynclarion]

JOVILYN CLARION ACT IT 2-S
What stage of moral development do you think you are currently in?
I think I can fit myself in the stage 3 because one of my goal in life is to be a better person and became a good student. I also realized that I'm focusing on what others see in me rather than enjoy my own company. In this stage we are good by doing what is approved by others and this is what I want to change about myself because it shows low self-esteem. We also tend to develop at different stage and to different levels.

[Qwwer]

Jhun Ray Omiping ACT-IT 2S

Which stage of moral development do you think you're currently in?
•A bit of 1, a bit of 5. I avoid punishment, but can be quite outspoken against rules that seem unfair or poorly considered.

[DillonTheVillainBrooks]

Jake christian Boldios ACT-IT 1-T

What level of moral development do you believe you are at right now?


Based on my personal observations, I believe I am currently in Kohlberg's fifth stage of moral development. I appreciate each other's differences, including our opinions, thoughts, and beliefs, because we all have various ideals that vary depending on the scenario. Follow the laws as a result of a majority agreement, and I often believe that regulations should be based on what is best and most acceptable for the people, based on their legitimate needs.