MORAL REASONING
Kohlberg's
PRECONVENTIONAL
Stage 1 & Stage 2
Stage 1: the "Egocentric" stage, characterized by awareness of reward and punishment
Stage 2: the stage of "Reciprocity," characterized by awareness of personal gain and/or mutual gain
Most elementary students
Some middle school students
A few high school students
CONVENTIONAL
Stage 3 & Stage 4
Stage 3: the "Good Child" stage, awareness of social approval and/or keeping the peace
Stage 4: the "Law and Order" stage, awareness of social order and/or respect for authority
Rarely elementary students
Most middle school and high school students
Many adults
POSTCONVENTIONAL
Stage 5 & Stage 6
Stage 5: the "Social Contract" stage, awareness of flexible rules and/or social consensus
Stage 6: the "Principles and Conscience" stage, awareness of dignity/worth and/or having abstract universal values
Stage 5 - some adults
Stage 6 - a few adults