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Kohlberg's moral development

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Kohlberg's moral development refers to a theory proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg that describes the stages of moral reasoning individuals go through as they develop. It includes three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, each with two stages.

Theoretical Perspectives

Kohlberg's theory of moral development is grounded in cognitive-developmental psychology, proposing that moral reasoning evolves through six distinct stages, influenced by Piaget's work on cognitive development.

Study And Research Findings

Kohlberg's theory was developed based on a longitudinal study where he presented subjects with moral dilemmas. His findings suggested a three-level process of pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional stages, each containing two sub-stages.

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