Definition of Lawrence Kohlberg
Lawrence Kohlberg was an American psychologist and professor known for his groundbreaking work in the field of moral development. Born on October 25, 1927, in Bronxville, New York, Kohlberg developed a theory on how individuals acquire moral reasoning abilities throughout their lives. His research focused on the cognitive processes underlying moral decision-making and how individuals progress through different stages of moral development.
Early Life and Education
Lawrence Kohlberg attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, before enrolling at the University of Chicago. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1948 and subsequently pursued a doctorate in psychology, which he earned in 1958. Kohlberg’s doctoral dissertation laid the foundation for his later work on moral development.
Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development
Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, often referred to as the “Kohlberg’s stages of moral development,” postulates that individuals progress through six stages of moral reasoning, grouped into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.
Pre-Conventional Level
At the pre-conventional level, individuals base their moral judgments on self-interest and the consequences of their actions. The two stages in this level are:
- Obedience and punishment orientation: Individuals focus on avoiding punishment and personal consequences.
- Instrumental purpose and exchange: Individuals make decisions that benefit their own interests while recognizing that others have their own interests as well.
Conventional Level
In the conventional level, individuals begin to consider societal norms and expectations when making moral judgments. The two stages in this level are:
- Interpersonal accord and conformity: Individuals focus on being perceived as “good” by others and maintaining social order.
- Authority and social-order maintaining orientation: Individuals uphold societal rules and authorities out of a sense of duty and obligation.
Post-Conventional Level
At the post-conventional level, individuals develop their own ethical principles that may conflict with societal norms. The two stages in this level are:
- Social contract orientation: Individuals recognize the importance of societal rules but also consider the possibility of changing them if they are deemed unjust or unreasonable.
- Universal ethical principles: Individuals adhere to self-chosen principles based on universal ethical values, even if they diverge from societal expectations.
Legacy and Impact
Kohlberg’s theory of moral development has had a profound impact on the fields of psychology, education, and ethics. It provided a framework for understanding how individuals develop their moral reasoning abilities and shed light on the cognitive processes underlying moral decision-making. Kohlberg’s work continues to inform research and practice in these fields, and his stages of moral development remain influential in understanding moral behavior.