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Moral Dev.L Kolberg - English

This document summarizes Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, which identifies six stages grouped into three levels. The three levels are pre-conventional (stages 1-2), conventional (stages 3-4), and post-conventional (stages 5-6). Stage 1 focuses on obedience to avoid punishment, stage 2 adds self-interest, stage 3 conformity to others' views, stage 4 law and order, stage 5 prioritizing social contracts and ethics, and stage 6 universal ethical principles and human rights. The theory holds that individuals progress sequentially through these stages of increasingly sophisticated moral reasoning.

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45 views10 pages

Moral Dev.L Kolberg - English

This document summarizes Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, which identifies six stages grouped into three levels. The three levels are pre-conventional (stages 1-2), conventional (stages 3-4), and post-conventional (stages 5-6). Stage 1 focuses on obedience to avoid punishment, stage 2 adds self-interest, stage 3 conformity to others' views, stage 4 law and order, stage 5 prioritizing social contracts and ethics, and stage 6 universal ethical principles and human rights. The theory holds that individuals progress sequentially through these stages of increasingly sophisticated moral reasoning.

Uploaded by

Lady Kwee
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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LIFE CYCLE

AND
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Engelberta Pardamean, Sp.KJ


Department of Psychiatry
Medical Faculty, Pelita Harapan University
Moral Development Theory
(Lawrence Kohlbergs Theory)
Morality refers to a code of conduct in matters of right
and wrong; a fundamental principle which is accordant
to an individuals conscience. In psychiatry, morality is
the product of the super-ego.

Moral development includes the process of learning to
adapt with the value system which is accepted by the
society in which an individual lives.
Kohlbergs theory holds that moral reasoning has six
developmental stages, that can be grouped into three
levels.
I.Pre-conventional Level
Stage 1. Punishment and Obedience Orientation
2. Instrumental Exchange Orientation
II.Conventional Level
Stage 3. Interpersonal Conformity Orientation
4. Law and Order Orientation
III.Post-conventional Level
Stage 5. Social Contract Orientation
6. Universal Ethical Principles Orientation
Level I: Pre-conventional

Stage 1. Punishment and Obedience Orientation
Punishment and obedience orientation refers to a childs
simple understanding of moral: Bad deeds reap
punishment. This stages moral behavior is to avoid
punishment. This stage is mainly controlled by parents as
authority figures. Reasons which are given to explain why
the child is punished, often become insignificant to the
child whose main objective is only to avoid punishment.
Stage 2. Instrumental Exchange Orientation
This phase occurs around pre-school age and marks the
beginning of egocentrism. The child understands that doing
the right thing may garner some rewards, aside from
avoiding punishment. The action is self-interest driven.
Trade off reasoning is the characteristic of moral
conduct in the second stage. All good deeds have the
purpose of serving the individuals own interest.
Level II: Conventional
Stage 3. Interpersonal Conformity Orientation
Moral behavior at this stage is important because it
involves other people. Someone does the right thing
because it is approved by others (authority figures and
peers). Because the rules have not been comprehended, a
child may convey them in the form of rituals concerning
bad luck or good luck. Good deeds relate with good
luck, whereas bad deeds relate with bad luck. This
ritualistic thinking often helps to reduce anxiety and guilt
that may begin to arise at this age.
Stage 4. Law and Order Orientation
This stage is called the law and order phase. A child in
school age period may have better understanding of laws
and social conventions, and may strive to be a good
member of the society. According to Kohlberg, a few
certain individuals who never underwent this phase, may
rebel violently against social conventions up to the point
where they had to be locked in jail.
Level III: Post-conventional
Stage 5. Social Contract Orientation
This young adult phase is no longer dominated by
egocentrism of the earlier phase. Here, ethical principles in
relation with self-worth determines an individuals moral
behavior. As a moral person, an individual will be deemed
worthy by doing good deeds for other people. Social ethics
and altruism become the drive that determine moral
decisions.
Stage 6. Universal Ethical Principles Orientation
This is the highest phase in Kohlbergs theory. The law and
universal principles have significant impact in the
development of an individuals sense of justice. The
essential moral conduct in this phase is the protection of
human rights in accordance to an individuals conscience.

In further development of this theory, Kohlberg added a
seventh stage which he referred to as the Wise Man Stage.
This stage is especially directed toward certain sensitive
individuals who can determine any moral decision from a
mystic-religious reflection.
THANK YOU

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