Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, formulated in the mid-20th century, remains a cornerstone of developmental psychology. Building upon Jean Piaget’s work, Kohlberg proposed that moral reasoning—the basis for ethical behavior—evolves through six distinct, universal stages grouped into three levels. This paper explores the structural framework of these stages, the methodology of the "Heinz Dilemma," and critical evaluations of the theory’s cultural and gender-based limitations. I. Introduction
Moral development refers to the process through which individuals develop a sense of right and wrong. Lawrence Kohlberg hypothesized that this development is a product of cognitive growth and social experience. Unlike earlier behavioral theories, Kohlberg’s model focuses on the behind a decision rather than the decision itself. II. Methodology: The Heinz Dilemma LAwRENCE KOHLBERG'S THEORY OF MORAL DEVELOPlvlE...
Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development: A Comprehensive Analysis According to ResearchGate
Level 1: Pre-Conventional Morality (Common in children under age 9) Unlike earlier behavioral theories
Kohlberg’s theory is structured into three levels, each containing two stages. According to ResearchGate , individuals move through these stages in a fixed, invariant order.