Kohlberg's theory of moral development proposes that individuals progress through 6 stages of moral reasoning, starting with doing things to avoid punishment, then doing things for personal gain, gaining approval from others, following rules and laws, understanding social contracts, and ultimately doing what is right.

1. Why do you do things? Six stages of Kohlberg's moral development

2. I do things so I don’t get in trouble

3. I do things so I get something out of it

4. I do things so you like me

5. I do it because it is the law, and I respect the law

6. I do it because of a social contract we have with each other

7. I do it because it is the right thing to do