According to Kohlberg, postconventional morality involves
unquestioning obedience to authority figures.
behavior based on self-interest.
affirmation of self-defined ethical principles.
understanding that the amount of liquid remains the same in different sized glasses.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Affirmation of self-defined ethical principles.
Explanation
Postconventional morality is the third and highest level in Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, which he proposed as a framework to explain how people develop moral reasoning over time. According to Kohlberg, moral development progresses through three levels: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional, each consisting of two stages.
Postconventional morality is marked by a person’s ability to think beyond societal norms and laws to form a personal moral code based on universal ethical principles. People at this stage do not simply follow rules because they are laws or conform to societal expectations; instead, they assess these rules against their own principles of justice, rights, and human dignity.
At the fifth stage (social contract orientation), individuals understand that laws and rules are based on mutual agreement and are meant to benefit society. However, they recognize that laws are not absolute and may need to be changed if they conflict with basic human rights.
In the sixth stage (universal ethical principles), individuals follow internalized principles of justice and equality, even if they conflict with laws or social rules. Examples include historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Mahatma Gandhi, who followed their ethical beliefs in the face of legal opposition.
This level of morality reflects a deep understanding of ethical concepts such as fairness, justice, and individual rights, and it often involves moral reasoning that may challenge societal norms or authority when they are unjust. Therefore, “affirmation of self-defined ethical principles” best captures the essence of postconventional morality.
The other options are incorrect:
- Unquestioning obedience to authority figures is characteristic of conventional morality (stage 4).
- Behavior based on self-interest reflects preconventional morality (stage 2).
- Understanding that the amount of liquid remains the same in different sized glasses is a concept from Piaget’s cognitive development theory, not Kohlberg’s moral development.
Correct answer: Affirmation of self-defined ethical principles.
