Kohlberg proposed that individuals progress through six stages of moral development focused on reasoning and judgment rather than actions. Stage 1 involves making decisions based on self-interest to avoid punishment. Stage 2 focuses on obeying rules to maintain social order. Stage 3 involves making decisions based on universal ethical principles of justice, equality, and human rights over rules or self-interest. Higher stages are rarely reached and individuals may fluctuate between stages. Moral maturity depends on reasoning abilities rather than age or experience alone.

1. Kohlberg’s Stages of Morality