Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Mark Twain once said, “Always do what is right. It will gratify half of mankind and astound the other.” Is there a solidified definition of what is right though? We enforce rules and laws, but that doesn’t mean they’re always fair or ethical. Our morals decide what we believe is just. We can judge the morals of people and even fictional characters using what is known as “Kohlberg’s theory of moral development.” This theory rates morals on a scale from 0-6 starting at stage 0 where those who are amoral stand. The scale is complete at the highest level of morality during stage 6 where those with ethical principle are placed. If I were to place myself on this scale I would be midway through the stages at stage three, “Interpersonal Concordance.” This stage falls at the beginning of what Kohlberg describes as “Conventional Moral Development.” There are three characteristics Kohlberg lists that solidify my choice of placing myself on stage three. One of these states that having the approval of others and pleasing a certain group of people have become important to you. The second states that you are able to not be biased or judging of the situation someone is in and you can put yourself in their shoes or mindset to better understand. The last trait of someone in this stage would be having the ability to know when someone means well and they are just unable to show that to you with either their words or actions.

The first descriptor for stage three is “Being nice, approval, pleasing a limited group are important,” (Kohlberg). Pleasing people is something we don’t always think about, but are always unconsciously doing. If we’re not upsetting people with our actions, then we are at least keeping them content. Rules are set in place for pe...

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...ou know how they meant it.

What is clear to me is that if I were to put myself on this scale that I would very comfortably sit at a stage three. I have morally developed enough at my age that I am able to be nice to other people and want to conform to my group of peers to be accepted. However more importantly I have gained over the years the ability to step back from a situation and put myself in someone else’s shoes. Also I am able to understand when someone means well but is unable to portray that in their words or actions by being able to read someone’s intentions. Overall this means that I am orientated to be a nice person but am not yet subject to believing firmly in concrete laws or orders. I am however aware of my own conscience and other people’s feelings and am able to act upon them properly.

Works Cited

Kohlberg, Lawrence. “Theory of Moral Development”