Piaget's Theory of morality
Piagets Theory of morality is based off of two
different stages that children go through.
Kohlbergs Theory of Morality
There are six universal stages of moral development
within three levels of moral thinking.
Heteronomous morality if the first stage of moral
development in Piagets theory, occurring at 4 to 7
years of age. Justice and rules are conceived as
unchangeable properties of the world, removed from
the control of people (Santrock, 2016, P. 406).
Autonomous morality is the second stage or moral
development in Piagets theory, displayed by children
about 10 years of age and older. At this stage, children
become aware that rules and laws are created by
people and that in judging an action they should
consider the actors intentions as well as the
consequences (Santrock, 2016, P.407).
Heteronomous moralists
Consequence over intentions
Unchangeable rules
Immediate punishment
Autonomous moralists
Intentions are more important
Accept change
Punishment only if you get caught but not always
As children learn to give and take through interactions
with peers, their understanding and thinking of morals
change and develop.
Level 1: Preconventional Level
Stage 1: Herteronomous Morality- when children
obey because adults tell them to obey. People base their moral
decisions on fear of punishment.
Stage 2: Individualism, Instrumental Purpose, and
Exchange- Individuals pursue their own interests but let others
do the same. What is right involves equal exchange.
Level 2: Conventional Level
Stage 3: Mutual Interpersonal Expectations,
Relationships, and Interpersonal Conformity- Individuals value
trust, caring, and loyalty to others as a basis of
moral judgments.
Stage 4: Social Systems Morality- Moral judgments
are based on understanding and the social order, law, justice,
and duty.
Level 3: Postconventional Level
Stage 5: Social Contract or Utility and Individual
Rights- Individuals reason that values, rights, and principles
undergird or transcend the law.
Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles- The person has
developed moral judgments that are based on universal human
rights. When faced with a dilemma between law
 and conscience, a personal, individualized conscience is
followed.

Moral development parental Guide children to understand and regulate negative

emotions rather than becoming over aroused
recommendations Give examples on what behaviors are expected and
why
Model moral behaviors
Be warm and supportive, use inductive reasoning, and
engage in authoritative parenting
Moral development School Integrate Character Education Direct education
teaching students basic moral literacy. Engaging
recommendations students to participate and in critical discussions and
learn to incorporate those virtues into their daily lives.
Having a moral or ethics code that is communicated
clearly to students.
Using Values Clarification Helping students discover
what their lives mean. Encouraging students to develop
their own set of values and help students understand
those values at a higher level.
Cognitive Moral Education - Giving students a semester
to meet and discuss various moral issues, students
should work together to find common ground. Teacher
acts as a coordinator rather than the instructor of the
class.
Implementing Service Learning Promoting social
responsibility to the community. Including things such
as community involvement. Students learn to engage in
various activities (tutor, helping the elderly, cleaning a
community park, etc.) outside of the school setting and
has multifaceted benefits.