| I. | Preconventional Level |
| Moral reasoning is guided by external consequences. No internalization of values or rules. Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience “Right” is obeying the rules simply to avoid punishment because others have power over you and can punish you. Stage 2: Mutual Benefit “Right” is an even or fair exchange so that both parties benefit. Moral reasoning guided by a sense of “fair play.” | |
| II. | Conventional Level |
| Moral reasoning is guided by conformity to social roles, rules, and expectations that the person has learned and internalized. Stage 3: Interpersonal Expectations “Right” is being a “good” person by conforming to social expectations, such as showing concern for others and following rules set by others so as to win their approval. Stage 4: Law and Order “Right” is helping maintain social order by doing one’s duty, obeying laws simply because they are laws, and showing respect for authorities simply because they are authorities. | |
| III. | Postconventional Level |
| Moral reasoning is guided by internalized legal and moral principles that protect the rights of all members of society. Stage 5: Legal Principles “Right” is helping protect the basic rights of all members of society by upholding legalistic principles that promote the values of fairness, justice, equality, and democracy. Stage 6: Universal Moral Principles “Right” is determined by self-chosen ethical principles that reflect the person’s respect for ideals such as nonviolence, equality, and human dignity. If these moral principles conflict with democratically determined laws, the person’s self-chosen moral principles take precedence. | |
| Sources: Research from Kohlberg (1981) and Colby & others (1983). | |