Lawrence

Kohlberg’s
Theory of Moral
Development
“Right action tends to be
defined in terms of individual
rights and standards that have
been critically examined and
agreed upon by the whole
society.”
-Lawrence Kohlberg
Lawrence Kohlberg
• Born wealthy
• A sailor and
began to be
interested in moral
reasoning
• Influenced by
Piaget and
Dewey’s Theories
 Morality
Recognition of the distinction between
good and evil or between right and
wrong; respect for and obedience to
the rules of right conduct; the mental
disposition or characteristic of
behaving in a manner intended to
produce good results
The Heinz Dilemma: Kohlberg's Approach
to the Study of Moral Reasoning

Kohlberg based his theory on a series of

moral dilemmas were presented to
these participants and they were also
interviewed to determine the reasoning
behind their judgments of each
scenario.
The Heinz Dilemma: Kohlberg's Approach
to the Study of Moral Reasoning

One example was "Heinz Steals the Drug." In

this scenario, a woman has cancer and her
doctors believe only one drug might save her.
This drug had been discovered by a local
pharmacist and he was able to make it for
$200 per dose and sell it for $2,000 per dose.
The woman's husband, Heinz, could only raise
$1,000 to buy the drug.
The Heinz Dilemma: Kohlberg's Approach
to the Study of Moral Reasoning

He tried to negotiate with the pharmacist for a

lower price or to be extended credit to pay
for it over time. But the pharmacist refused to
sell it for any less or to accept partial
payments. Rebuffed, Heinz instead broke into
the pharmacy and stole the drug to save his
wife. Kohlberg asked, "Should the husband
have done that?"
The Heinz Dilemma: Kohlberg's Approach
to the Study of Moral Reasoning

Kohlberg was not interested so much in

the answer to questioning whether Heinz
was wrong or right but in
the reasoning for each participant's
decision. The responses were then
classified into various stages of reasoning
in his theory of moral development.
What would you do if you
were Heinz?
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 1: Preconventional Level

Moral reasoning is based on the

consequence/result of the act, not on
whether the act itself is good or bad.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 1: Preconventional Level

Stage 1: Punishment/Obedience
One is motivated by fear of punishment.
He/She will act in order to avoid
punishment.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 1: Preconventional Level

Stage 2: Mutual Benefit

One is motivated by the benefit that one may
obtain later. You scratch my back,
I’ll scratch yours.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 2: Conventional Level

Moral reasoning is based on the

conventions or norms of the society.
This may include approval of others,
law and order.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 2: Conventional Level

Stage 3: Social Approval

One is motivated by what others expect in
behavior – good boy/good girl.
The person acts because he/she values
how he/she will appear to others/gives
importance on what people will think or say.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 2: Conventional Level

Stage 4: Law and Order

One is motivated to act in order to uphold law
and order. The person will follow the law
because it is the law.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 3: Post-Conventional Level

Moral reasoning is based on the

enduring or consistent principles. It is
not just recognizing the law, but the
principles behind the law.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 3: Post-Conventional Level

Stage 5: Social Contract

Laws that are wrong can be changed. One
will act based on social justice and the
common good.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Level 3: Post-Conventional Level

Stage 6: Universal Principles

This is associated with the development of
one’s conscience. Having a set of standards
that drives on to possess moral responsibility
to make societal changes regardless of
consequences to oneself. (Mother Teresa,
Martin Luther King, Jr.)
 Reference
Corpuz, Brenda B., et al (2018) Child and Adolescent
Learners and Learning Principles. Lorimar Publishing,
Inc. Quezon City: Metro Manila

https://www.verywellmind.com/kohlbergs-theory-of-
moral-development-2795071

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/teachereducation
x92x1/chapter/kohlbergs-stages-of-moral-
development/