Which of the following best describes Kohlberg’s postconventional level of moral reasoning? Moral reasoning is based on the individual’s own independent judgments rather than on what others view as wrong or right.

Like Piaget, subjects were unlikely to regress in their moral development, but instead, moved forward through the stages: pre-conventional, conventional, and finally post-conventional. Each stage offers a new perspective, but not everyone functions at the highest level all the time.

Kohlberg believed that by early adolescence most youth have reached the mid-level of moral reasoning called the Conventional Level. At this level, morality is determined by social norms; i.e., morality is determined by the rules and social conventions that are explicitly or implicitly agreed upon by a group of people.

At the postconventional level, the individual moves beyond the perspective of his or her own society. Morality is defined in terms of abstract principles and values that apply to all situations and societies. The individual attempts to take the perspective of all individuals.

Like most aspects of development, influencing factors are multifaceted. Moral development is strongly influenced by interpersonal factors, such as family, peers, and culture. Intrapersonal factors also impact moral development, such as cognitive changes, emotions, and even neurodevelopment.

A moral character trait is a character trait for which the agent is morally responsible. If moral responsibility is impossible, however, then agents cannot be held responsible for their character traits or for the behaviors that they do as a result of those character traits.

Values represent the outward manifestation of character. Our values are perceivable for others, and through them so is our character. Values define interests that define attitudes that lead to acts. By understanding your character and values, you also understand why you act and behave as you do.

The eight moral characteristics are diligence, frugality, honesty, discipline, politeness, cleanliness, unity and generosity.

Moral character is the foundation of personal acceptance and growth, healthy relationships and success. Without it, our kids will have great difficulty achieving true peace of mind, making morally-driven decisions, building solid, long-lasting relationships or finding true success in their endeavors or career.

How can I raise my child to have strong moral character?

1. Know Your Beliefs & Share Them. Before you can raise a moral child, you must be clear about what you believe in.
2. Use Teachable Moments.
3. Expect Moral Behavior.
4. Reflect on the Behaviors’ Effects.
5. Reinforce Moral Behaviors.
6. Incorporate the Golden Rule.

How does a person develop virtues? Virtues are developed through learning and through practice. As the ancient philosopher Aristotle suggested, a person can improve his or her character by practicing self-discipline, while a good character can be corrupted by repeated self-indulgence.