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Kohlberg’s Levels of Moral Thinking

Definition

This is a theory proposed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg that suggests our moral reasoning, or how we make decisions about right and wrong, develops in stages as we grow.

Analogy

Think of it like leveling up in a video game. As you gain more experience (or in this case, age and cognitive development), you move to the next level with more complex challenges (moral dilemmas) and improved skills (moral reasoning).

Theoretical Perspectives

Kohlberg's theory of moral development suggests that moral reasoning progresses through a series of stages, from pre-conventional to conventional and finally to post-conventional morality.

Study And Research Findings

Study and Research Findings

Related terms

Moral Development: The growth in the ability to tell right from wrong, make judgments and act accordingly.

Cognitive Development: The construction of thought processes, including remembering, problem solving, and decision-making.

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development: A comprehensive theory about the nature and development of human intelligence primarily developed by Jean Piaget. It deals with nature of knowledge itself and how humans gradually come to acquire it.