Kohlberg's stages of moral development help us understand how people grow in their thinking about right and wrong. His ideas were created in the 1950s and 60s and show that our ability to make moral choices changes as we grow up and learn from the world around us.

The Three Levels of Moral Development

Kohlberg divided his theory into three main levels, with two stages in each level:

1. Level 1: Pre-conventional Morality

   • Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation: Here, people make choices mainly to avoid getting in trouble. For example, a child might not take a cookie because they fear being told off.
   • Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange: In this stage, people start to see that different opinions exist. They might think it's okay to take something if it benefits them. A child might steal a toy if they believe it’s fair for them.

2. Level 2: Conventional Morality

   • Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships: At this stage, people want to be seen as "good" by others. A teenager might help a friend with their homework to fit in with a group.
   • Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order: This stage is about following the rules and respecting authority. An adult may follow laws strictly because they think keeping order is important for everyone.

3. Level 3: Post-conventional Morality

   • Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights: Here, people understand that laws are agreements in society and can be questioned. For example, someone might stand up for civil rights, knowing that some laws are unfair.
   • Stage 6: Universal Principles: This is the highest stage, where people make choices based on big ideas about right and wrong. Someone might refuse to do something wrong, no matter the consequences, showing they stick to their beliefs.

Why This Matters for Decision-Making

Kohlberg's stages help us see how our moral thinking can change over time. When faced with a moral challenge, someone in the pre-conventional stage may think mostly about their own gain. In contrast, a person in the post-conventional stage would think about fairness and equal rights for everyone.

Understanding these stages can help us think about our own morals. By realizing where we stand, we might aim to be better at making ethical decisions. This can lead to positive changes for ourselves and our communities.

In conclusion, Kohlberg’s stages of moral development give us a simple way to see how our understanding of right and wrong grows throughout our lives. This knowledge helps us navigate the tricky situations we face every day.