What defines the stages in Kohlberg's Theory of Development?

In Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development, what truly defines the stages is indeed the reasoning behind decisions in moral reasoning. Kohlberg proposed that moral development progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by different levels of reasoning and understanding of moral concepts. The theory emphasizes the cognitive processes that influence how individuals arrive at moral judgments, illustrating that people at different stages focus on different aspects of morality—such as obedience, social contract, or universal ethical principles.

For example, those at the early stages may rely on a more concrete understanding of right and wrong, guided primarily by rules and consequences, while those at higher stages incorporate more abstract principles of justice and equality into their reasoning. Thus, it is the rationale behind their moral choices that illustrates the developmental progress, rather than simply the choices themselves, their age of development, or cultural influences. This cognitive perspective is what sets Kohlberg's stages apart and marks their significance in understanding moral reasoning.