The preconventional level, proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg in his Theory of Moral Development, refers to the first stage of moral reasoning where individuals make decisions based on their own self-interest and the avoidance of punishment. This level is characterized by a focus on external consequences rather than internalized ethical principles.
Related terms
Consequentialism: A moral theory that focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions when determining their morality.
Egocentrism: The tendency to see things only from one's own perspective without considering others' viewpoints or feelings.
Punishment Orientation: A mindset at the preconventional level where individuals are primarily motivated by fear of punishment for their actions.