Development of Consciousness: Stages and Influences
Development of Consciousness
Psychological research, conducted by Piaget and Kohlberg, among others, suggests that morality is a condition that develops in humans throughout their lives. This development involves two factors:
- Psychological maturity of each individual, i.e., their intellectual and emotional development.
- The influence of the environment in which they live: family, friends, education, economy, media, social conflicts, etc.
This development process is universal, a common trait of all people, regardless of the culture to which they belong or the period in which they live. Kohlberg noted the existence of three levels in the development process of moral conscience, with two stages in each level.
Level 1: Pre-conventional
- It is individualistic, and what is right is something that satisfies the subject’s interests in each situation.
- Morality is heteronomous, i.e., imposed by something outside and separate from consciousness. The individual consciousness does not base their judgments on freely accepted morals but is driven by ego impulses that control their behavior.
Stage 1
The child obeys because they want to avoid the punishment they can receive for not meeting the standards.
Stage 2
The person wants something that interests them and, in turn, decides to respect the rules. They are aware that there are other subjects but only see them as tools to get what they want. What is most convenient for me?
Level 2: Conventional
- It takes the collective point of view because what is just is what ensures the survival of the group. The subject recognizes the existence of others who are equal and have common interests. The important thing is to be useful for group survival.
- The morality of the group that governs consciousness remains heteronomous because the person is subjected to the rules of another, in this case, the social group to which they belong, without carrying out a critical or a free and conscious acceptance of these standards.
Stage 3
The person needs to be accepted and valued by group members. The important thing is to be regarded as a good person and to act on what others expect of them.
Stage 4
A subject’s duty is to respect the established social order; otherwise, life in society will become chaotic. I do my duty.
Level 3: Post-conventional
- Consciousness is governed by an autonomous morality, freely accepted and recognized. The standards are based on sound and universal principles, self-imposed.
- These are universal principles of reason, critically analyzed and considered valuable in themselves, regardless of social interests or those that affect their performance.
Stage 5
The rules have been freely accepted by the majority, by general agreement establishing what is fair. We must respect others.
Stage 6
The person recognizes the universal validity of certain moral principles. They agree to respect these values as their duty and act accordingly. Herein lies acting fairly. Human dignity requires it.
Hobbes
17th Century. With the religious reform and a kind of state of social organization as absolute monarchy. An explanation had to be found for a leader to be given absolute power. The church-state divide. He created the theory that will give the foundation of absolute monarchy. Part of a state of nature (equal, free, without rules, with my limits). The claim that men were wicked and selfish because of the survival instinct. Men make a contract to organize and appoint a chief to put order and peace.
Locke
Defends liberalism and freedom of the state. Supports the Natural State and the family and states that men are neither good nor bad, are born with natural rights. No one owns anyone. Supports freedom, security, and private property in the sense that things are achieved by the effort and work of oneself.