What are the stages of Kohlberg's theory of moral development?

Kohlberg's theory of moral development is a cognitive developmental theory that proposes a sequence of six stages through which individuals progress as they become capable of more complex moral reasoning. Lawrence Kohlberg, an American psychologist, developed this theory in the 1950s and 1960s, drawing on the earlier work of Jean Piaget. Kohlberg's theory is based on the idea that moral reasoning develops through a process of social interaction and cognitive growth, and it is influenced by the individual's experiences and the cultural context in which they are raised.

Kohlberg defined three levels of moral development: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional. Each level has two distinct stages. Here is a detailed description of each stage:

### Preconventional Level
At this level, a child's sense of morality is externally controlled and is primarily concerned with the consequences of actions for the self.

**Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation**
- Children at this stage follow rules to avoid punishment.
- They view actions as right or wrong based on the punishment they incur.

Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
- Children begin to realize that there are mutual benefits in relationships.
- They view actions as right if they lead to a fair exchange or if they are in their own best interest.

### Conventional Level
At this level, individuals are motivated by a genuine concern for others and a desire to maintain social order.

Stage 3: Good Boy-Nice Girl Orientation
- Individuals seek approval from others and conform to societal expectations.
- They view actions as right if they please others or maintain the social order.

Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation
- Individuals recognize the importance of adhering to societal rules and laws.
- They believe in maintaining the social order and view actions as right if they are in accordance with the law.

### Postconventional Level
At this level, moral reasoning is guided by abstract reasoning and universal ethical principles.

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
- Individuals understand that laws and social contracts are created by society and can be changed.
- They view actions as right if they uphold basic human rights and the social contract, even if it means breaking the law.

**Stage 6: Universal Principles Orientation**
- This is the highest level of moral development, where individuals act based on self-chosen ethical principles.
- They view actions as right if they align with universal ethical principles such as justice, equality, and human dignity.

Kohlberg's theory has been influential in understanding moral development, but it has also faced criticism, particularly for its focus on justice and its relative neglect of other moral concerns such as care and empathy. Additionally, some argue that the theory may not adequately account for cultural differences in moral reasoning.

Now, let's proceed to the translation.

Kohlberg defined three levels of moral development: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional. Each level has two distinct stages. During the preconventional level, a child's sense of morality is externally controlled.