Unique Number:
Due Date: 2025
CRITICALLY EVALUATING KOHLBERG’S THEORY OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT IN
ADOLESCENTS
INTRODUCTION
Moral development is an essential aspect of human growth, shaping an individual's ability
to differentiate between right and wrong. Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral
development provides a stage-based framework for understanding the evolution of moral
reasoning, particularly in adolescents. His theory proposes that individuals progress
through six distinct stages of moral reasoning, categorized under three broad levels: pre-
conventional, conventional, and post-conventional morality. Each stage represents an
advancement in moral thought, moving from externally driven obedience to internalized
ethical principles.
This essay critically evaluates Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, considering its
applicability to adolescents. It examines each stage with contemporary research findings
and provides relevant examples that illustrate moral reasoning at different developmental
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