Proposed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, this theory builds upon Jean Piaget's work on cognitive development. It posits that moral reasoning evolves through a distinct series of stages, much like cognitive abilities. Kohlberg developed this framework by presenting moral dilemmas to individuals of various ages and analyzing the logic behind their answers to determine their stage of moral reasoning. The theory suggests a progression from an egocentric moral perspective to one that encompasses the well-being of others and broader societal principles.

Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg (1927–1987) was an American psychologist renowned for his theory on moral development. His work significantly extended Jean Piaget's stage-based theory of cognitive development, applying a similar structural approach to the domain of moral reasoning.

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One of the key ways in which we can observe the differences between psychology and philosophy as disciplines is in the way they interpret and discuss morality and ethics. Philosophy tries to examine what makes an action moral or immoral; it takes a direct view and position on ethics. Psychology does not take any direct views. It only comments on how morality has shifted throughout time, and how our moral stances change as we age, objectively. It does not comment on whether actions are morally good or bad. 

Philosophy and Psychology: How Each Discipline Interprets Morality and Ethics

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

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