In Kohlberg's Preconventional level, how is morality determined?

In Kohlberg's Preconventional level, how is morality determined?

• A. By internal ethical principles and universal rights
• B. By external authority and the consequences of actions
• C. By social contracts and individual rights
• D. By the care-focused approach to relationships

Answer: (B)

Morality at this stage is judged by external authority and the consequences of actions. People think about right and wrong based on who says what’s allowed and what happens if you do or don’t comply, not on internal beliefs. This is why the emphasis is on obedience to rules to avoid punishment or on gaining rewards from those in power. For example, a child might refrain from taking a toy because they fear being scolded, or do something nice because they expect a treat later. The reasoning is concrete and self-centered: follow the rule to avoid punishment or to obtain a personal benefit. If we contrast this with other ideas, internal ethical principles and universal rights reflect a move beyond external rules to what’s fair or universal, which belongs to higher levels. Social contracts and individual rights involve thinking about laws and mutual expectations in society, also more advanced, and a care-focused approach centers on relationships and responsibility rather than external consequences.

Morality at this stage is judged by external authority and the consequences of actions. People think about right and wrong based on who says what’s allowed and what happens if you do or don’t comply, not on internal beliefs. This is why the emphasis is on obedience to rules to avoid punishment or on gaining rewards from those in power. For example, a child might refrain from taking a toy because they fear being scolded, or do something nice because they expect a treat later. The reasoning is concrete and self-centered: follow the rule to avoid punishment or to obtain a personal benefit.

If we contrast this with other ideas, internal ethical principles and universal rights reflect a move beyond external rules to what’s fair or universal, which belongs to higher levels. Social contracts and individual rights involve thinking about laws and mutual expectations in society, also more advanced, and a care-focused approach centers on relationships and responsibility rather than external consequences.