Moral agency is about making decisions based on principles of... Show more
Algebra
Overige
Algebra 1
BiologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
29
•
Dec 26, 2025
•
Understanding Moral Agents
E
Ezjo
@ez.jo
1 / 4
Man as a Moral Agent
Ever wondered what makes you capable of deciding between right and wrong? As a moral agent, you have the ability to make ethical choices and are responsible for your actions. Moral agents aren't just decision-makers—they're intelligent beings who can understand abstract principles and apply them to real situations.
A true moral agent possesses several key characteristics. You need self-consciousness, memory, and reasoning abilities that help you plan and weigh alternatives. You must be able to comprehend moral principles and make judgments about justice. Most importantly, you're held accountable for your decisions.
Theories about how we develop moral values build upon our cognitive development. Piaget noted that children's moral judgments evolve alongside their cognitive abilities, while Lawrence Kohlberg identified specific developmental stages of moral reasoning.
Think About It: When was the first time you remember making a difficult moral choice on your own? What factors influenced your decision?
Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development - Early Stages
Kohlberg's theory breaks down how your moral reasoning evolves over time. The journey begins at the Pre-conventional level, where moral decisions are based entirely on external factors.
At Stage 1, you make decisions simply to avoid punishment. Think of a young child who doesn't steal cookies only because they're afraid of getting in trouble—not because stealing is wrong. Your perspective is entirely egocentric, focusing on the power of authority figures.
By Stage 2, self-interest becomes your main motivator. You'll follow rules if there's something in it for you. You recognize that others have interests too, creating a basic understanding of fairness through exchange: "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine." This naive view of equality is all about reciprocity.
Moving to the Conventional level (Stages 3-4), you begin internalizing morals. At Stage 3, you make decisions to please others and win approval. You evaluate actions based on intentions and relationships, focusing on being a "good person" by meeting others' expectations.
Key Insight: Notice how moral reasoning evolves from avoiding punishment to seeking social approval. This progression happens naturally as you develop, but some people get stuck at certain stages.
Advanced Moral Development
In Stage 4 of Kohlberg's theory, you're focused on maintaining social order. You follow rules not just to please others but because you understand their importance for society. You respect authority and fulfill obligations because they maintain social stability.
The highest level—Post-Conventional Reasoning—represents mature moral thinking. Here, your morality comes from within rather than from others' expectations. At Stage 5, you can critically examine social laws and systems, evaluating whether they truly protect human rights and values. You recognize that laws should have rational foundations, and while individual needs matter, societal rules generally must prevail for the greater good.
Few people reach Stage 6, where universal ethical principles guide decisions. At this stage, you follow your conscience even when it conflicts with laws, prioritizing principles like justice and human dignity above all else. Your moral thinking involves consistent, logical reasoning about universal principles.
Challenge Yourself: Think about a recent moral decision you made. Which stage of Kohlberg's theory does your reasoning reflect? Could you approach similar situations from a higher stage?
Turiel's Domain Theory
Sometimes you might seem inconsistent in your moral decisions. Turiel noticed this problem with Piaget and Kohlberg's theories and developed Domain Theory to explain why our moral thinking isn't always straightforward.
The Social Domain involves understanding social conventions that help society function smoothly. As you grow up, you learn these rules through interactions with family, school, and friends. These are the "how things are done" rules that vary between cultures and contexts.
The Moral Domain operates separately but alongside social knowledge. Unlike social conventions, moral rules aren't defined by context—they're based on deeper principles. Your moral judgments develop through experiences involving harm to others, rights violations, and conflicts between competing claims.
When making decisions, you draw on your Personal Domain—your individual interpretation of both social and moral factors in a given situation. This explains why two people might reach different conclusions when faced with the same moral dilemma—they're integrating social and moral knowledge through their unique personal lens.
Real-World Application: Next time you disagree with someone about what's "right," consider whether you're viewing the situation through different domains. Are they focusing on social conventions while you're thinking about moral principles?
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content in Psychology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Moral Agents
E
Ezjo
@ez.jo
Moral agency is about making decisions based on principles of right and wrong. This topic explores how humans develop moral reasoning, examining various theories that explain the stages we go through as we mature in our ethical decision-making abilities.
Man as a Moral Agent
Ever wondered what makes you capable of deciding between right and wrong? As a moral agent, you have the ability to make ethical choices and are responsible for your actions. Moral agents aren't just decision-makers—they're intelligent beings who can understand abstract principles and apply them to real situations.
A true moral agent possesses several key characteristics. You need self-consciousness, memory, and reasoning abilities that help you plan and weigh alternatives. You must be able to comprehend moral principles and make judgments about justice. Most importantly, you're held accountable for your decisions.
Theories about how we develop moral values build upon our cognitive development. Piaget noted that children's moral judgments evolve alongside their cognitive abilities, while Lawrence Kohlberg identified specific developmental stages of moral reasoning.
Think About It: When was the first time you remember making a difficult moral choice on your own? What factors influenced your decision?
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development - Early Stages
Kohlberg's theory breaks down how your moral reasoning evolves over time. The journey begins at the Pre-conventional level, where moral decisions are based entirely on external factors.
At Stage 1, you make decisions simply to avoid punishment. Think of a young child who doesn't steal cookies only because they're afraid of getting in trouble—not because stealing is wrong. Your perspective is entirely egocentric, focusing on the power of authority figures.
By Stage 2, self-interest becomes your main motivator. You'll follow rules if there's something in it for you. You recognize that others have interests too, creating a basic understanding of fairness through exchange: "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine." This naive view of equality is all about reciprocity.
Moving to the Conventional level (Stages 3-4), you begin internalizing morals. At Stage 3, you make decisions to please others and win approval. You evaluate actions based on intentions and relationships, focusing on being a "good person" by meeting others' expectations.
Key Insight: Notice how moral reasoning evolves from avoiding punishment to seeking social approval. This progression happens naturally as you develop, but some people get stuck at certain stages.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Advanced Moral Development
In Stage 4 of Kohlberg's theory, you're focused on maintaining social order. You follow rules not just to please others but because you understand their importance for society. You respect authority and fulfill obligations because they maintain social stability.
The highest level—Post-Conventional Reasoning—represents mature moral thinking. Here, your morality comes from within rather than from others' expectations. At Stage 5, you can critically examine social laws and systems, evaluating whether they truly protect human rights and values. You recognize that laws should have rational foundations, and while individual needs matter, societal rules generally must prevail for the greater good.
Few people reach Stage 6, where universal ethical principles guide decisions. At this stage, you follow your conscience even when it conflicts with laws, prioritizing principles like justice and human dignity above all else. Your moral thinking involves consistent, logical reasoning about universal principles.
Challenge Yourself: Think about a recent moral decision you made. Which stage of Kohlberg's theory does your reasoning reflect? Could you approach similar situations from a higher stage?
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Turiel's Domain Theory
Sometimes you might seem inconsistent in your moral decisions. Turiel noticed this problem with Piaget and Kohlberg's theories and developed Domain Theory to explain why our moral thinking isn't always straightforward.
The Social Domain involves understanding social conventions that help society function smoothly. As you grow up, you learn these rules through interactions with family, school, and friends. These are the "how things are done" rules that vary between cultures and contexts.
The Moral Domain operates separately but alongside social knowledge. Unlike social conventions, moral rules aren't defined by context—they're based on deeper principles. Your moral judgments develop through experiences involving harm to others, rights violations, and conflicts between competing claims.
When making decisions, you draw on your Personal Domain—your individual interpretation of both social and moral factors in a given situation. This explains why two people might reach different conclusions when faced with the same moral dilemma—they're integrating social and moral knowledge through their unique personal lens.
Real-World Application: Next time you disagree with someone about what's "right," consider whether you're viewing the situation through different domains. Are they focusing on social conventions while you're thinking about moral principles?
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar Content
Moral versus Non-moral Standards
Understand the distinctions between moral and non-moral standards and their characteristics.
PsychologyCognitive Distortions in Crime
Explore the relationship between moral reasoning and criminal behavior through cognitive distortions. This summary covers Kohlberg's stages of moral development, research findings on offenders' moral reasoning levels, and the implications for rehabilitation. Ideal for students studying crime and deviance theories.
Psychology12
6.6 Moral Development
Study notes covering AP Psych curriculum
AP Psychology10th
Cultural Attachment Patterns
Explore the key findings of cultural variations in attachment styles, focusing on the meta-analysis by van Ijzendoorn and Kroonenberg. This summary covers secure, insecure-avoidant, and insecure-resistant attachments across different cultures, highlighting significant studies from Italy and Korea. Understand the implications of cultural practices on attachment types and evaluate the methodologies used in attachment research. Ideal for psychology students studying attachment theory.
Psychology12
6.7 Gender and Sexual Orientation
Study notes covering AP Psych curriculum
AP Psychology10th
Understanding Gender Bias in Psychology
Explore the complexities of gender bias in psychological research, including alpha and beta bias, androcentrism, and the implications of gender stereotypes. This summary delves into key studies, such as those by Ingallhalikar et al. and Formanowicz et al., highlighting the impact of gender on research outcomes and the importance of addressing bias in psychological practices.
Psychology12
Most popular content in Psychology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user