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6 Stages of Moral Development
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6 Stages of Moral Development

Premoral Level

1

I don’t want to get in trouble.

Punishment avoidance. Make moral decisions strictly on the basis of self-interests. Disobey rules if can do so without getting caught.

2

I want a reward.

“Getting what you want” by trade-off. Recognize that others have needs, but make satisfaction of own needs a higher priority.

Conventional Level

3

I want to please somebody.

Meeting expectations of others. Make decisions on the basis of what will please others. Concerned about maintaining interpersonal relations.

4

I follow the rules.

Fulfilling duties and upholding laws. Look to society as a whole for guidelines about behavior. Think of rules as inflexible, unchangeable.

Principled Level

5

I am considerate of other people.

Empathy! Sense of democracy and relativity of rules. Recognize that rules are social agreements that can be changed when necessary.

6

I have a personal code of behavior, and I follow it. (Atticus Level)

Self-selection of universal principles. Adhere to a small number of abstract principles that transcend specific, concrete rules. Answer to an inner conscience.