What Is a Moral Compass and How to Find Yours

[Uncle Joe]

(snip)

Kohlberg’s theory of moral development
One of the most prominent models of moral development today is that of psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, who felt morality was influenced by complex cognitive development and social factors.

“Lawrence Kohlberg developed the most commonly used model for moral development in the 1960s,” says Dr. Ronald Stolberg, a licensed psychologist, and professor in San Diego.

“In contrast to other developmental stage theorists, Kohlberg placed almost no emphasis on a child’s age but rather focused on their responses to moral dilemmas.”

In his moral development theory, Kohlberg identified 6 stages within 3 levels where different factors take primary influence over moral development:

Level 1: Preconventional

Stage 1: Behavior is shaped by consequences.
Stage 2: Focus turns to reward-oriented behaviors.

Level 2: Conventional

Stage 3: Behavior is dictated by social approval.
Stage 4: Societal rules and laws control behavior.

Level 3: Postconventional

Stage 5: Individual rights and freedoms dictate behavior.
Stage 6: Behaviors are influenced by the perceived impact on all those involved.

Becca Smith is a licensed professional counselor from Forney, Texas.

She says “these stages progress from conventional reasoning, where children base their decisions on avoiding punishment and seeking rewards, to conventional reasoning, where individuals consider societal norms and values.”

Smith adds that “the highest stage is post-conventional reasoning, where a person considers individual principles and ethical considerations above laws or social expectations.”

Not everyone necessarily progresses through all stages of their moral development under Kohlberg’s model, she clarifies.

(snip)

https://psychcentral.com/health/right-wrong-or-indifferent-finding-a-moral-compass

[spike jones]

1. Trump's moral compass always points toward himself. n/t

[Uncle Joe]

2. I don't believe *rump ever got past Stage 1 consequences because he never had to pay any.

He is just now beginning to look at some.