Correct Answer - Option 3 : Post conventional level
Lawrence Kohlberg, an American psychologist, has propounded the 'Theory of Moral Development'. He has made a systematic study of moral development in his theory that is categorized in 3 levels and 6 stages.
The above-mentioned description is related to Post Conventional Level as it is a level of morality in which:
- values act as a guiding force that defines the right action based on one’s own conscience.
- universal and abstract moral values including equality, respect, etc. guide one's behavior.
- personality development is highly governed by ethical-moral thinking and internal moral principles.
Hence, it could be concluded that in Post Conventional level, moral development is internalized and not based on external standards.
Refer to the table to be familiar with all the levels of Kohlberg's theory:
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Level 1:
Pre-conventional Morality
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Stage 1: The Obedience & Punishment Orientation - behaviour driven by avoiding punishment
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Stage 2: Naive Hedonistic and Instrumental Orientation - behaviour driven by self-interest and rewards
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Level 2:
Conventional Morality
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Stage 3: Good Boy - Nice Girl Orientation - behaviour driven by social approval
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Stage 4: The Law & Order Orientation: behaviour driven by obeying authority and conforming to social order
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Level:
Post-conventional Morality
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Stage 5: The Social Contract Orientation: behaviour driven by a balance of social order and individual right.
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Stage 6: The Universal Ethical Principle Orientation: behaviour driven by internal moral principle.
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