Kohlberg's Stages Of Moral Development

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development is an adaptation of the work of Swiss psychologist Piaget to explain the development of moral reasoning and ethical behavior in humans. Kohlberg based his Stages of Moral Development on his belief that moral judgment progresses with age and is primarily concerned with justice.

Kohlberg divided his six stages of ethical behavior into 3 stages pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional (related to age and maturity) that are then subdivided into two other stages that describe the moral rationales for the adoption of ethical behaviors. For example, avoiding punishment, doing the "right thing", positive benefit to society, etc. These stages are based on the premise that mastering the lower stages of moral development is essential for aspiring to the higher levels of achievement.