Seatwork: Explain the different stages of Moral Development according to Kohlberg

Stage 1 In stage 1, anything that has no punishment is morally correct or right while
anything that has punishment is morally wrong. The basis of morality in this
stage is punishment. For instance, my cousin is having a vacation at my aunt’s
house where I am currently living. A day before she goes home, she is in a
hurry to go into our room and told me that one of my aunt’s sons forcibly
told her to open the comfort room door while she is taking a bath which
makes her nervous and not know what to do. However, I told her not to tell
her parents even my parents about what happened because I am also afraid
of what might be their reaction and that they might send me back home and
cannot continue my studies here.
Stage 2 In this stage, a reward serves as the basis for morality, with anything that
lacks a reward being morally bad and anything that has a reward being
morally right. For instance, when I was in high school, my friends invited me
to hang out, and, in my willingness to come, I finished all my chores and
assignments in exchange for my parent’s permission to hang out outside with
my friends.
Stage 3 In this stage, social acceptance or validation is the basis of morality. Anything
that does not give social validation or acceptance is morally wrong, whereas
anything that gives social acceptance is right in terms of morality. A beach
vacation is being enjoyed by Jane and Erica, for instance. They take a picture
wearing their swimwear that makes them look attractive, sexy, and
confident. However, they hesitate to share it on social media, as some people
might have negative opinions and make offensive remarks about it.
Stage 4 Harmony and unity are the basis of morality at this stage. Everything that
creates separation is morally wrong, but everything that creates harmony
and unity is morally good. For instance, Jessa and Angel were close friends,
but Jessa has annoying behaviors that often annoy Angel. However, Angel is
reluctant to address Jessa since she is aware of her possible reaction and
 does not want to offend her and ruin their friendship. She showed her friend
more patience as a result.
Stage 5 At this stage, morality is based on respect for individual rights. Any action
that aligns with individual rights is morally right, while any action that
violates such rights is wrong. Jane, for instance, is a 16-year-old female. She
was raped by her uncle and became pregnant as a result. Although abortion
is morally wrong, she has the right to make her own decision because she is
an individual who has the right to choose. Because she had never wanted the
child and it was the result of an immoral act, she made the decision to abort
it.
Stage 6 In this stage, the basis of morality is universality, wherein things are
complicated because individuals may obey their own morality. For instance,
Jenny believes that everything is solved through freedom and compassion.

Self-Reflection

Assess your own self. So far, in what stage of Moral Development by Kohlberg do you belong
to? Explain your answer with full honesty.

Upon the discussion, I became aware that there are still situations in my life where I find
myself stuck in some of Kohlberg's stages of moral development. For instance, I have made
decisions in my life where I chose to be silent and not tell one of my friends how I felt about
her, and I did not want to confront her because I did not want to offend her and ruin our
friendship. In that said situation, I would say that I have been stuck in stage 4.

However, I would also say that I belong to stage 5, where the basis of morality is
individual rights because I do believe that, as individuals, we have the right to choose and
decide for ourselves. We all have the right to be free, to be secure, and to express ourselves,
whatever others might say about us. It is not their business, and your life is not theirs. However,
be reminded that we are accountable for our actions and decisions and their consequences.