Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Level 1. Preconventional Morality Stage 1 - Obedience and PunishmentThe earliest stage of moral development is especially common in young children, but adults are also capable of expressing this type of reasoning. At this stage, children see rules as fixed and absolute. Obeying the rules is important because it is a means to avoid punishment.

Stage 2 - Individualism and ExchangeAt this stage of moral development, children account for individual points of view and judge actions based on how they serve individual needs. In the Heinz dilemma, children argued that the best course of action was the choice that best-served Heinzs needs. Reciprocity is possible at this point in moral development, but only if it serves one's own interests.

Child is not afraid of the consequences but concerned about his/her acceptance among the peer group and to safeguard the other person.

Level 2. Conventional Morality Stage 3 - Interpersonal RelationshipsOften referred to as the "good boy-good girl" orientation, this stage of moral development is focused on living up to social expectations and roles. There is an emphasis on conformity, being "nice," and consideration of how choices influence relationships.The youth is able to understand and take into account the perspectives and intentions of others. One earns approval by being 'good' or 'nice' And confirmity to avoid and dislike by others.

Stage 4 Law and OrderAt this stage of moral development, people begin to consider society as a whole when making judgments. The focus is on maintaining law and order by following the rules, doing ones duty and respecting authority.The concern is more on societal than self. At this stage, there is inclination toward authority, fixed rules and maintenance of the social order. According to this age group, right behavior consists of doing one's duty, showing respect for authority and obeying the given social order for its own sake.Eg: Dato Seri Abdullah Bin AhmadLevel 3. Postconventional Morality Stage 5 - Social Contract and Individual RightsAt this stage, people begin to account for the differing values, opinions and beliefs of other people. Rules of law are important for maintaining a society, but members of the society should agree upon these standards.Justice is defined in terms of the protection of individual rights. Apart from law and order, the right is a matter of personal values and opinions.Eg: Adolf Hitler, one of history's most notorious dictators was the leader of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945. He initiated World War II and oversaw fascist policies that resulted in millions of deaths. He maintained a system where everyone conformed, but this was not a universally accepted way of life.George Orwell created a post-modern utopia that was miserable for its inhabitants.

Stage 6 - Universal PrinciplesKolhbergs final level of moral reasoning is based upon universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning. At this stage, people follow these internalized principles of justice, even if they conflict with laws and rules. Eg: Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Socrates Mohandas Gandhi (later given the title Mahatma or Great Soul) used nonviolent civil disobedience in the early decades of the 20th Century to lead India to independence from English colonial rule. He fasted to protest English actions in India, he led boycotts of English goods, and he blatantly violated English-imposed laws, resulting in his arrest and jailing on numerous occasions. (He was imprisoned for two years during World War II for failing to support the English war effort and urging England to Quit India instead.) Gandhi did not run from suffering; he embraced it. He believed that real suffering bravely borne melts even a heart of stone. Gandhis Stage 6 approach is clear:I do not claim to have originated any new principle or doctrine. I have simply tried in my own way to apply the eternal truths to our daily life and problems I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and non-violence are as old as the hills. Abraham Lincoln - 16th President of the United States. He preserved the Union during the U.S. Civil War and brought about the emancipation of slaves. Abraham Lincoln is regarded as one of America's greatest heroes due to both his incredible impact on the nation and his unique appeal. His is a remarkable story of the rise from humble beginnings to achieve the highest office in the land; then, a sudden and tragic death at a time when his country needed him most to complete the great task remaining before the nation. Lincoln's distinctively human and humane personality and historical role as savior of the Union and emancipator of the slaves creates a legacy that endures. His eloquence of democracy and his insistence that the Union was worth saving embody the ideals of self-government that all nations strive to achieve.