1. Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Why we make the decisions we make…

2. Stage 1 – Reward and Punishment
Our earliest moral decisions are made on the basis of physical reward or punishment.
Young children often make decisions in much the same way as animals – they are trained to expect reward or punishment depending on their choice.

3. Stage 1 Examples
I will not take a cookie out of the jar because I don’t want to get sent to my room without dinner.
I will make my bed because if I do, I always get a quarter from my parents.
I will write on the walls with this crayon because nothing bad happens to me even when my parents get angry.

4. Stage 2 – Quid Pro Quo
Decisions made in this stage are done through a sense of bartering or negotiation.
Decision makers no longer simply accept the consequences, but they work to change the consequences before making a decision.

5. Stage 2 Examples
I will clean the basement, but only if you take me to the mall.
I will give you the answer to #4 if you let me ask your sister to Homecoming.
I will be good for the rest of the week if you just buy me that toy right now.

6. Stage 3 - Conforming
Decision makers act based on the opinions of the people who matter to them. What do I want others to think about me?
This is the “good boy” or “nice girl” stage, in which a person wants to protect his image with friends, family or community members.
Often associated with middle school years

7. Stage 3 Examples
I never swear in front of my grandma because I want her to think I am a good person.
I swear when I am with my friends because I want them to think that I am mature and not afraid to break some rules.
I am always nice to the teacher’s face so that she likes me, but always rip on her when I leave the room so that my friends don’t think I am a “teacher’s pet.”

8. Stage 4 – Law and Order
Known as the “duty” stage, this stage is governed by the rules. Decisions are usually made to follow the laws simply because that is what is expected.
Rules will be broken, but only if the decision maker sees no danger in everyone disregarding the rules. “What would happen if everyone did what I am about to do?”

9. Stage 4 Examples I drive the speed limit because it is the law.
I wear dress code because that is what the school requires.
I take the little soaps and shampoos from hotels because even if everyone did that, it wouldn’t make much difference to the hotel.

10. Stage 5 – Social Contract
A person in stage 5 looks behind the law to see whether the decision is consistent with the values of society.
Laws may be violated if they are bad laws, if they go against the values of the group (society, Church, etc.)

11. Stage 5 Examples
I will not read your diary because our family values privacy.
I will respect your opinion because our society values freedom of opinion and expression.
I will protest against abortion because killing innocent babies is against our values of respect for life.

12. Stage 6 – Personal Conscience
Decisions are made based on universal ethical principles (dignity, justice, respect)
Regardless of what society thinks, a person in stage6 acts according to her conscience and her understanding of ethical principles.
People in stage 6 do the right things, unless they misunderstand a situation.

13. Stage 6 Examples
I will help the homeless person because every human being has basic dignity that should be respected.
I will not steal because it would be unjust to take something that doesn’t belong to me.

14. Practice…
Let’s try to show our knowledge with this practice decision….write down what a person in each stage might choose to do and WHY.
Decision: To cheat on a final exam

15. Learning Check…
This time, work on your own to see if you can apply this idea….write down what a person in each stage might choose to do and WHY.
Decision: To tell the truth about being late for curfew.