Professor John Kesler has spent a number of years developing a description of developmental stages of social thought and action. The model lists seven stages in the civility spectrum and the ages at which each plateau can or should be attained.

Level 1 is that of "power" and is usually achieved by the age of four. It involves following rules for the sake of the rules themselves. Much of society exists on this level. Examples include big money politics, predatory business practices, and professional sports. Brutality is a hallmark of this social level.

Level 2 recognizes interests of others. It can be achieved by age eight. The empiricist social sciences are based on this level. Common questions are: "Who gets what?" "How much?" This is the first stage of reciprocity.

By the age of 12 people achieve the Level 3 cultural stage. Here conflicts of values are dealt with. The sciences of Anthropology and Sociology are highly concerned with this level

Level 4 looks at universality. It involves principled actions that result in three dimensional win/win/win situations. Historically, the Enlightenment was largely based on social interaction at this level. Most adults should attain this step by the age of 16. It is the last age-associated level. Piaget, Kohlber, and Giligan are important theorists.

Level 5 introduces 3-dimensional thinking and is labeled the integrative stage. Positive examples of this level include the seminal thinkers of the great American experiment. Negative examples are communism and post-modern thinking. Some of the leading thinkers were Jean Gebser, Jurgen Habermas, and Charles Taylor.

The Ecological Level 6 considers the physical as well as the social environment. Thoreau was a prime example.

Level 7, Transcendence, is best exemplified in the writings of Ken Wilber. Traditional humanist principles of the value of all life and the environment understand society at this level. Thinking includes transcending self and inspiration. Religion, in its purest form, is also socially at level 7.

Kesler noted that civility is the foundation of civilization. The fact that both words share the same root is just a first-order indication that civilization will not thrive if we do not treat each other and our environment respectfully with long-term consideration.

--Wayne Wilson