Moral refers to what societies sanction as

right and acceptable. Most people tend to

act morally and follow societal guidelines.
Morality often requires that people sacrifice
their own short-term interests for the benefit
of society.
What is Morality?

Morality refers to the set of standards

that enable people to live cooperatively
in groups. It's what societies determine to
be “right” and “acceptable.” Sometimes,
acting in a moral manner means individuals
must sacrifice their own short-term
Below are some examples of absolute moral
principles:
• Don't kill.
• Speak the truth.
• Be careful with what you say and do to others.
• Respect the property of others.
• Treat people in need or distress as we would want to
be treated if our situation were reversed.
Is morals and morality the same?
Principles or habits with respect to right or wrong
conduct. While morals also prescribe dos and
don'ts, morality is ultimately a personal compass
of right and wrong.
 Morals vs Values

Morals and values are a part of the behavioral aspect of a

person. There is not much difference between morals and
values but both are correlated to each other. Morals are
formed from the inborn values. Moral is a system of beliefs
that is taught for deciding good or bad whereas values are
personal beliefs or something that comes from within. These
are emotionally related for deciding right or wrong. Morals
have more social value and acceptance than values, therefore
a person is judged more for his moral character than the
values. One is said to be immoral for a person without morals
but no such term is there for the person without values.
 Moral Development Theory

Kohlberg's theory of moral development is a

theory that focuses on how children develop
morality and moral reasoning. Kohlberg's
theory suggests that moral development occurs
in a series of six stages. The theory also
suggests that moral logic is primarily focused on
seeking and maintaining justice
Level 1 - Preconventional morality

Preconventional morality is the first stage of moral development, and lasts until approximately age
9. At the preconventional level children don’t have a personal code of morality, and instead moral
decisions are shaped by the standards of adults and the consequences of following or breaking
their rules.
For example, if an action leads to punishment is must be bad, and if it leads to a reward is must be
good.
• Stage 1 (Obedience and Punishment): The earliest stages of moral development, obedience and
punishment are especially common in young children, but adults are also capable of expressing
this type of reasoning. According to Kohlberg, people at this stage see rules as fixed and
absolute.7 Obeying the rules is important because it is a way to avoid punishment.
• Stage 2 (Individualism and Exchange): At the individualism and exchange stage of moral
development, children account for individual points of view and judge actions based on how
they serve individual needs. In the Heinz dilemma, children argued that the best course of action
was the choice that best served Heinz’s needs. Reciprocity is possible at this point in moral
development, but only if it serves one's own interests.
Level 2 - Conventional morality

Conventional morality is the second stage of moral development, and is characterized by

an acceptance of social rules concerning right and wrong. At the conventional level
(most adolescents and adults), we begin to internalize the moral standards of valued
adult role models.
Authority is internalized but not questioned, and reasoning is based on the norms of the
group to which the person belongs.
• Stage 3 (Developing Good Interpersonal Relationships): Often referred to as the "good boy-good girl" orientation, this
stage of the interpersonal relationship of moral development is focused on living up to social expectations and roles.7
•  There is an emphasis on conformity, being "nice," and consideration of how choices influence relationships.
• Stage 4 (Maintaining Social Order): This stage is focused on ensuring that social order is maintained. At this stage of
moral development, people begin to consider society as a whole when making judgments. The focus is on maintaining
law and order by following the rules, doing one’s duty, and respecting authority.
Level 3 - Postconventional morality

Postconventional morality is the third stage of moral development, and is

characterized by an individuals’ understanding of universal ethical principles. These
are abstract and ill-defined, but might include: the preservation of life at all costs,
and the importance of human dignity.
Individual judgment is based on self-chosen principles, and moral reasoning is based
on individual rights and justice. According to Kohlberg this level of moral reasoning is
as far as most people get.

• Stage 5 (Social Contract and Individual Rights): The ideas of a social contract and individual
rights cause people in the next stage to begin to account for the differing values, opinions, and
beliefs of other people.7
•  Rules of law are important for maintaining a society, but members of the society should agree
upon these standards.
• Stage 6 (Universal Principles): Kohlberg’s final level of moral reasoning is based on universal
ethical principles and abstract reasoning. At this stage, people follow these internalized
principles of justice, even if they conflict with laws and rules.