In this stage, children view rules as fixed and absolute, handed down by authorities like parents and teachers. They believe in the immutability of rules and perceive the consequences of an action (rather than the intent) as determining its morality. For example, a child at this stage might believe that accidentally breaking a large number of dishes is worse than intentionally breaking a single dish, due to the greater physical consequences.

As children develop, they begin to understand that rules are created by people and can be changed through social agreement. They start to consider the intentions behind actions when making moral judgments. This stage is characterized by a growing sense of equality and cooperation, where children recognize that mutual respect and rules are necessary for the good of the community.