Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development

Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development describe how people's understanding of right and wrong evolves through different levels. It begins with pre-conventional thinking, where decisions are based on avoiding punishment or gaining rewards. Next is conventional thinking, where societal rules and approval guide actions. Finally, post-conventional thinking involves internal moral principles and values that may go beyond laws and rules. People progress through these stages as they mature, gaining a more nuanced understanding of morality, from simple obedience to complex ethical reasoning based on justice, fairness, and human rights.