What is the first level of Kohlberg's stages of moral development called?

Kohlberg's stages of moral development include three main levels, each containing two stages. The first level is known as preconventional morality, which typically encompasses moral reasoning based on direct consequences to oneself rather than societal rules or norms. This stage often involves an understanding of right and wrong in terms of rewards and punishments.

Individuals at this level make decisions primarily to avoid punishment or to gain personal rewards. Preconventional morality is characteristic of young children, but it can also be observed in some adults who prioritize their own self-interest in moral decision-making. Thus, distinguishing preconventional morality from conventional morality, which focuses on conforming to social rules and expectations, is essential in understanding this foundational stage of moral reasoning.