Lawrence Kohlberg (1927-1987) was a moral philosopher whose research was focused on the moral development of children and emphasized on how children develop a sense of right, wrong and justice. Kohlberg observation was based on his research that children advance through definite stages of moral development having resemblance with Piaget’s (1977) two-stage theory of cognitive development. Kohlberg studied that theory when he was a graduate student at University of Chicago. Kohlberg is well known for his theory of moral reasoning. Kohlberg’s research purpose was to discover the moral reasoning of children and he acquired this feat through a lengthy study of questioning boys between the age of 7-15 on moral delimmas. By virtue of his study and research work he succeeded in development of a theory that proved to be very helpful in asserting the moral reasoning of children on different stages of their age so that their attitude and behavior could be well understood hence enabling their parents and teachers to provide them proper guidance that they need with their growing age both mentally and physically. Kohlberg also helped to clarify the general cognitive-development view of age-related changes. Coming to the details of Kohlberg’s theory we first discuss the main points of his theory thereafter we will have a brief look on this theory. Kohlberg’s theory was consisting of Six Stages divided into three levels as under:
(1) Pre-Conventional Level
This level contains two stages:
Stage 1: The stage of punishment and obedience.
Stage 2: The stage of individual instrumental purpose and exchange.
(2) Conventional Level
This level contains two stages:
Stage 3: The stage of mutual interpersonal expectations, relationship and conformity. Stage 4: the stage of social system and conscience maintenance.
(3) Post-Conventional Level
This level also contains two stages:
Stage 5: The stage of prior rights and social contract or utility.
Stage 6: The stage of universal ethical principles.
(1) Pre-Conventional Level According to Kohlberg every person begins at stage 1 moral reasoning and develops progressively to stage 2. This level involves an “egocentric point of view” (stage 0) and a “concrete individualistic perspective” in which the person makes choices of his action based on the fear of punishment and the desire for rewards. The physical consequences of his action determines the “good” and “bad” regardless of meaning and value of these consequences. Now avoidance of punishment and unquestioning defense to power are values in their own right, not in terms of respect for an underlying moral order supported by punishment and authority. Right action consists of what instrumentally satisfies one’s own need and occasionally the needs of others. Human relations are viewed in terms such as those of market place. Elements of fairness, reciprocity and equal sharing are present, but they are always interpreted in a physical pragmatic way. Reciprocity is like "You scratch my back and I’ll scratch your”, no loyalty, gratitude or justice.
(2) Conventional Level In stages 3 and 4 of conventional level persons make choices from a “member of society” perspective, considering the good of others, the maintenance of positive relations and the rules of the society. At this level person is now aware of the social norms / practices and the punishment for breaking such rules. With this element, the person is able to reach to stage 3 that is also an interpersonal concordance stage. At this level person is aware of the social norms and try to abide by them because it gains them acceptance. Being considered a “good” child is the most important thing to them. At this stage children are normally 7-8 years old. Stage 4 is “Law and order” orientation. The child is about 10 years of age, enrolled in school, learning about rules and authority. The most appropriate behavior is doing what they are told to do and being respectful at all times. Right behavior consisting in doing one’s duty, showing respect for authority and maintaining the given social order for its own sake.
(3) Post-Conventional Level
The individual makes a clear effort to define moral values and principles that have validity and application apart from the authority of the groups of person holding them and apart from the individual’s own identification with the group. Stage 5: It states that people will determine what is right and wrong by general terms. This stage is where what is legally right and wrong becomes a factor in people’s action, and according to Kohlberg’s theory where the majority of people in the World stop their moral development. Stage 6: This is very difficult stage although easy to define but hard to achieve. The universal ethical principle orientation, in the stage right is defined in terms of if the action meant that person’s ethical belief. These are beliefs that coincide with a belief in equality for all mankinds, with prejudices or double standards and abstract ideals take precedence over particular societal law. Although Kohlberg’s theory was also criticized at some levels but it was first of its kind and remained the guideline for all coming research into moral reasoning.