, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
Question 1
1. Kohlberg established six stages of moral development. Name and explain the six steps of
moral development.
Moral development is a fundamental aspect of human growth, enabling individuals to navigate
ethical dilemmas and make principled decisions. Lawrence Kohlberg, building on Piaget's cognitive
development theory, proposed a model of moral development that spans across the human lifespan,
divided into six distinct stages. These stages are hierarchical and sequential, meaning that each stage
builds upon the insights gained from the previous one, and individuals rarely skip stages (PRF3701,
Study Guide, p. 10).
Pre-Conventional Morality
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
At this initial stage, moral reasoning is guided primarily by the consequences of actions. Young
children judge behavior as right or wrong based on whether it leads to punishment. Obedience is
seen as an end in itself, and moral decisions are made with a focus on avoiding negative outcomes
rather than understanding societal norms (PRF3701, Study Guide, p. 10).
Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
Here, individuals recognize that there is not a single correct viewpoint. Moral decisions are
influenced by self-interest and reciprocal benefits. Individuals at this stage understand that their
actions can affect others and may consider personal gains or losses in determining what is right,
reflecting a pre-conventional but more autonomous moral reasoning (PRF3701, Study Guide, p. 10).
Conventional Morality
Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships
Moral reasoning at this stage emphasizes social approval and relationships. Actions are deemed right
if they promote trust, loyalty, and empathy within interpersonal relationships. Individuals consider
the feelings and expectations of significant others in evaluating the morality of their actions, moving
beyond self-interest (PRF3701, Study Guide, p. 10-11).
Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order
At this stage, individuals view morality in terms of maintaining societal order and obeying laws.
Moral reasoning focuses on the welfare of the community and adherence to rules and norms that
ensure societal stability. Actions are judged based on their potential impact on the broader social
system rather than personal relationships alone (PRF3701, Study Guide, p. 11).
Question 1
1. Kohlberg established six stages of moral development. Name and explain the six steps of
moral development.
Moral development is a fundamental aspect of human growth, enabling individuals to navigate
ethical dilemmas and make principled decisions. Lawrence Kohlberg, building on Piaget's cognitive
development theory, proposed a model of moral development that spans across the human lifespan,
divided into six distinct stages. These stages are hierarchical and sequential, meaning that each stage
builds upon the insights gained from the previous one, and individuals rarely skip stages (PRF3701,
Study Guide, p. 10).
Pre-Conventional Morality
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
At this initial stage, moral reasoning is guided primarily by the consequences of actions. Young
children judge behavior as right or wrong based on whether it leads to punishment. Obedience is
seen as an end in itself, and moral decisions are made with a focus on avoiding negative outcomes
rather than understanding societal norms (PRF3701, Study Guide, p. 10).
Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
Here, individuals recognize that there is not a single correct viewpoint. Moral decisions are
influenced by self-interest and reciprocal benefits. Individuals at this stage understand that their
actions can affect others and may consider personal gains or losses in determining what is right,
reflecting a pre-conventional but more autonomous moral reasoning (PRF3701, Study Guide, p. 10).
Conventional Morality
Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships
Moral reasoning at this stage emphasizes social approval and relationships. Actions are deemed right
if they promote trust, loyalty, and empathy within interpersonal relationships. Individuals consider
the feelings and expectations of significant others in evaluating the morality of their actions, moving
beyond self-interest (PRF3701, Study Guide, p. 10-11).
Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order
At this stage, individuals view morality in terms of maintaining societal order and obeying laws.
Moral reasoning focuses on the welfare of the community and adherence to rules and norms that
ensure societal stability. Actions are judged based on their potential impact on the broader social
system rather than personal relationships alone (PRF3701, Study Guide, p. 11).
