Each level consists of two stages – here referred to as a and b – that
are, just as the moral levels, hierarchically organised. On the first stage
(1a) of the preconventional level, the individual is viewed to be a
selfish actor and does not consider the interests of others or cannot
recognise them fully. The moral judgement is grounded in terms of physical consequences, and reasons for doing right are avoidance of
punishment and the superior power of authorities. The next stage on
this level (1b) is characterised by a concrete individualistic perspective.
The right action is to serve one's own needs and interests in a
world where other people also have their interests (Kohlberg, 1976,
1984; Magun-Jackson, 2004).