Kohlberg's Stage 2 focuses on which aspect?

Kohlberg's Stage 2 focuses on which aspect?

• A. Stage 2 focuses on the instrumental, pragmatic value of an action.
• B. Stage 2 focuses on obeying authority.
• C. Stage 2 focuses on the social contract.
• D. Stage 2 focuses on universal ethical principles.

Answer: (A)

Stage 2 centers on evaluating actions by their instrumental, pragmatic value. In this stage, morality is seen through a lens of self-interest and reciprocity: an action is judged by what personal or reciprocal payoff it yields, rather than by obedience to rules or by adherence to abstract ideals. People think in terms of “If I help you now, what do I get later?” or “What benefit does this bring me or someone I care about?” A typical example is helping someone because you expect a future favor in return, rather than because helping is inherently right or required by authority. This focus on practical gain and reciprocal exchange is what distinguishes Stage 2 from later stages that emphasize obedience to authority, social contracts, or universal ethical principles.

Stage 2 centers on evaluating actions by their instrumental, pragmatic value. In this stage, morality is seen through a lens of self-interest and reciprocity: an action is judged by what personal or reciprocal payoff it yields, rather than by obedience to rules or by adherence to abstract ideals. People think in terms of “If I help you now, what do I get later?” or “What benefit does this bring me or someone I care about?” A typical example is helping someone because you expect a future favor in return, rather than because helping is inherently right or required by authority.

This focus on practical gain and reciprocal exchange is what distinguishes Stage 2 from later stages that emphasize obedience to authority, social contracts, or universal ethical principles.