Inspired by Jean Piaget's work

Planes of moral edaquacy conceived to explain the development of moral reasoning.

He had a facination with children's reactions to moral dilemmas.

Kohlberg determined that the process of moral development was principally concerned with justice and that its development continued throughout the lifespan.

Pre conventional

Conventional

Post-conventional

1.  Obedience and punishment orientation

Especially common in children but adults can exhibit this type of reasoning.

Reasoners judge the morality of an action by its direct consequences.  Purely concerned with self in an egocentric manner.

How can I avoid punishment?

2.  Self-interest orientation

Right behavior being defined by what is in one's own best interest.  Limited interest in the needs of others - only to a point that it might further one's own interests.  All actions are performed to serve one's own needs or interests.

What's in it for me?

3.  Interpersonal accord and conformity

Self enters society by filling social roles.  Individuals are receptive to approval and disapproval from others.

The good boy/good girl attitude

4.  Authority and social order maintaining orientation

It is important to obey  laws because of their importance in maintianing a functioning society.  Beyond the need for individual approval

Law and order morality

5.  Social contract orientation

Individuals have different opinions and values.  Laws are regarded as social contracts

6.  Universal ethical principals

Principled Conscience

Abstract reasoning. Laws are valied only insofar as they are grounded in justice.  A commitment to justice carries with hit an obligation to disobey unjust laws.

Realization that individuals are separate entities from society now becomes salient.  One's own perspective should be viewed before the society's.