Preconventional

Preconventional morality is the first level in Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development. At this level, moral reasoning is guided primarily by external consequences and self-interest rather than by social rules or internalized ethical principles. Individuals reason about right and wrong in relation to avoiding punishment or obtaining rewards, rather than in terms of agreed norms or universal rights.

The first stage is Obedience and Punishment Orientation, which centers on whether an act will be punished. Moral choices are defined by authorities and the physical consequences to the person performing the action. The second stage is Individualism and Exchange (also called Naive Instrumental Morality), in which a sense of right and wrong emerges from recognizing others' needs but only insofar as complying with rules serves one's own interests or yields reciprocal benefits. Rules are accepted to the extent they advance personal goals.

Preconventional morality is common among children and in contexts that emphasize obedience or personal benefit. It is followed by the conventional level, where morality is based on conformity to social rules and duties, and the postconventional level, where moral reasoning considers universal ethical principles.

Critics note that Kohlberg's framework reflects a Western, male-oriented perspective and may not capture the moral reasoning of all cultures or individuals. Some scholars contend that people reason at multiple levels across different domains rather than progressing through stages in a fixed order.