Audio includes an explanation of Kohlberg's theory. By Brian Sather for History, Philosophy, and Ethics of Sport class at Eastern Oregon University, October 22, 2009

Stages 1-2 are pre-moral, 3-4 are conventional, 5-6 are principled.

1. To avoid punishment: “Might makes right.”
2. Please me: Likely to exchange favors. Does not share perspective of others.
3. Please others: Decides according to how he believes his parents or friends will want him to behave. “It’s better to give than to receive.”
4. Law is the law: Based on dictates of established authority. “Because he is President . . .” o or “Because the Bible says so. . .” or “A rule is a rule.” Sees rules as necessary for a stable society (“What would happen if everybody. . .”).
5. Social contract (individual rights): Rules are social contracts made for a purpose, and specific social purposes can change. Emphasis on personal standards of social responsibility. ”The end doesn’t justify the means”
6. Universal principle (worth of the individual): Fully internalized principles that person holds as universally valid. Does not adopt rules just because they have been given by authority. May even require deviation from rules. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”