The Six Stages of Moral Development

The Six Stages of Moral Development, proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg, describe how people evolve in their understanding of right and wrong. They progress through three levels: 1. **Pre-conventional**: Morality is based on personal consequences (avoiding punishment or seeking rewards). 2. **Conventional**: Morality aligns with societal norms and the expectations of others (maintaining relationships and social order). 3. **Post-conventional**: Morality is guided by personal principles and ethics, which may go against societal norms (valuing human rights and justice). Each stage reflects a deeper understanding of moral reasoning and ethical considerations, moving from self-interest to a broader societal perspective.