Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

According to Papalia and Olds (1992), considerable research has been found to be supportive of Kohlberg's (Kohlberg, 1969, 1981) Theory of Moral Development. This theory holds that people proceed through sequential stages in the development of mature moral reasoning. These stages can be briefly summarized as follows:

Stage 1 - Moral reasoning based on orientation to punishment and reward.

Stage 2 - Moral reasoning based on instrumental purpose and exchange.

Stage 3 - Moral reasoning based on mutual relations, approval of others, the golden rule.

Stage 4 - Moral reasoning based on social esteem and conscience.

Stage 5 - Moral reasoning based on morality of contract, individual rights, and of democratically accepted law.

Stage 6 - Moral reasoning based on universal principles and internalized standards.

Kohlberg's theory states that the first four of these stages are attained by age 13 or 14 years. However, the last two stages are attained only in adulthood and only in some people. In other words, it is possible to live out one's entire life and never attain what is considered to be the highest level of moral reasoning.

Kohlberg does not address the potential problems inherent to situations where people are working at careers that are of grave moral consequence and yet have not attained the highest levels of moral reasoning. However, if social institutions are to be maximally ethical and/or moral, it seems reasonable to suggest that such problems be addressed.

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Category: Philosophy - K