In which of Kohlberg’s levels of moral reasoning does the authority come from outside of the individual?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: Pre-conventional level
The pre-conventional level is the first of Lawrence Kohlberg’s three levels of moral reasoning. At this stage, moral reasoning is based on external consequences and authority figures, rather than on internalized values or societal norms. Authority comes from outside the individual, such as parents, teachers, or figures of power.
This level typically appears in children, though adults may also operate at this level under certain circumstances. It contains two stages. The first stage is called Obedience and Punishment Orientation, where actions are judged as right or wrong depending on whether they lead to punishment. The motivation for moral behavior is to avoid getting in trouble. For example, a child might avoid stealing because they fear being punished, not because they believe stealing is inherently wrong.
The second stage is Individualism and Exchange, where individuals recognize that others also have needs and may make moral decisions based on a trade-off or self-interest. However, this is still externally motivated. Authority is accepted, but mostly for what it can provide in return. A person might obey a rule not because they value the rule itself, but because it benefits them.
At the pre-conventional level, moral development is self-centered and focuses on direct consequences. Unlike higher stages, there is no true understanding of broader ethical principles, justice, or societal standards. The behavior is shaped primarily by the desire to gain rewards or avoid punishment, not by an internal compass or concern for others.
As people mature, they ideally move into the conventional and post-conventional levels, where moral decisions are guided by societal rules or personal ethical principles. But at the pre-conventional level, the source of moral authority remains outside the individual.