stages of moral development

Moral development involves how individuals understand right and wrong and how their sense of morality evolves over time. It typically progresses through stages: initially, people act to avoid punishment and gain rewards (pre-conventional). Then, they follow rules to maintain social order (conventional). As they mature, they consider broader principles like justice and human rights (post-conventional). This growth reflects increasing capacity for empathy, reasoning, and ethical thinking, shaping how people make decisions and interact with others in society.