Kohlberg's 6 stages of moral development progress from an obedience and punishment orientation in Stage 1, to a self-interest orientation in Stage 2, to a social approval orientation in Stage 3, to a law and order orientation in Stage 4, to a social contract orientation that considers society's values and opinions in Stage 5, and finally to a conscience orientation that operates according to universal ethical principles even if it means going against the majority in Stage 6.

1. Kohlberg’s 6 stages of
Moral Development

2. Stage 1: Punishment-Obedience Orientation
his concern is
to avoid (physical) punishment.
Example:
A child may not cheat in a game with his big
brother because of what his brother may do
to him if he is caught.
He doest not avoid cheating because he
values honest behavior.
The person thinks its okay to cheat so long
as you don’t get caught

3. Stage 2: Personal Reward/Interest Orientation
“You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” is the standard of
moral practice.
He is willing to share equally with another person, but for his
own sake.

4. Stage 3: The “good boy/good girl” Orientation
is oriented toward pleasing others
His concern is finding acceptance.
He seeks approval by being nice.

5. Stage 4: A “Law and Order” Orientation
The person’s behavior in this level focuses on doing one’s
duty.
He is loyal to existing authority.
He obeys the laws and promotes keeping the
established order.
He finds self-respect in fulfilling his obligations

6. Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
he may work to change the law
for the sake of the society.
The person is aware of the fact that people
hold a variety of values and opinions.
Aside from what the majority has
democratically agreed upon, right or wrong
behavior is a matter of personal opinion.

7. Stage 6: Conscience Orientation
In this stage, the person makes decisions of conscience
He holds these principles even if it means going against the
rule of the majority
The person operates according to the universal ethical
principles of justice, equality of human life, and respect for the
dignity of human being as individual person.
Example: A person may steal medicine, to give it to someone
who would die without it. The value of human life is greater
than the financial gain