Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Definition

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development is a theory proposed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg that outlines the evolution of moral reasoning through a series of six progressive stages. These stages are grouped into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, representing how individuals develop their understanding of right and wrong as they mature. The theory emphasizes that moral reasoning is not just about the actions taken but also about the underlying principles that guide those actions, making it a crucial element in psychological profiling and character backstory development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kohlberg identified three main levels of moral development: pre-conventional (focused on self-interest), conventional (focused on social rules and laws), and post-conventional (focused on universal ethical principles).
2. Each level is divided into two stages, resulting in a total of six stages that individuals progress through as they encounter moral challenges.
3. Kohlberg's theory is built on the idea that moral development is not only influenced by age but also by cognitive development and social interactions.
4. Research has shown that not everyone reaches the highest stages of moral reasoning, with many individuals operating at the conventional level throughout their lives.
5. Kohlberg's stages can be applied to character backstories in storytelling, providing insight into characters' motivations and ethical dilemmas they face.

Review Questions

• How do Kohlberg's stages of moral development illustrate the psychological growth of characters over time?
  • Kohlberg's stages highlight how characters evolve in their understanding of morality as they face various ethical dilemmas. By analyzing where a character falls within these stages, writers can effectively showcase their psychological growth. For instance, a character starting at the pre-conventional level may initially act out of self-interest but could progress to the post-conventional stage as they learn to value universal ethical principles.
• In what ways can the application of Kohlberg's stages enhance the depth of a character's backstory in storytelling?
  • Applying Kohlberg's stages to a character's backstory allows writers to explore their moral foundations and motivations more deeply. Understanding which stage a character operates from can inform their past experiences and choices, revealing why they make certain decisions. This framework can create richer narratives by illustrating how past experiences shaped their current moral reasoning and actions.
• Evaluate the implications of Kohlberg's theory on character development in narratives focused on ethical dilemmas and moral conflicts.
  • Kohlberg's theory provides valuable insights into how characters navigate ethical dilemmas and conflicts throughout a narrative. By placing characters within specific stages of moral development, writers can create compelling arcs that reflect the complexities of human morality. This evaluation helps illustrate how characters may struggle with decisions influenced by societal expectations versus personal ethics, ultimately leading to significant growth or transformation as they confront these challenges.

Related terms

Moral Reasoning: The process by which individuals determine what is right or wrong in a given situation, often influenced by personal beliefs, societal norms, and cultural context.

Ethical Dilemmas: Situations in which a person must choose between conflicting moral principles, often highlighting their stage of moral development based on their decision-making process.

Character Arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout a story, often influenced by their moral decisions and development.