The argument of this paper focuses on the relationship between cognitive structures and structures of interaction. It contends that there is still a place in moral development theory and research for a concept of moral stages. The thesis, in short, is that moral stages are not structures of thought. They are structures of action encoded in thought. When individuals seek reciprocity or appeal to reciprocity as a norm, they are not inventing reciprocity or constructing a philosophical concept out of thin air. They are, following Piaget and G.H. Mead, bringing to conscious realisation the reciprocity in the functioning social system in which they interact. The basic assumptions of Kohlberg's early social-pragmatist, cognitive-developmental approach are outlined and a stage sequence that follows this format is described. (Contains 1 note and 1 table.)