" According to Kohlberg which level of moral reasoning is based on the person’s own moral standards?

Correct option is D

According to Kohlberg's theory of moral development, the post-conventional level of moral reasoning is where individuals base their moral decisions on their own ethical principles and standards, rather than conforming to societal rules or expectations. At this stage, people recognize that laws and rules are not always just, and they use personal reasoning to determine what is right or wrong, often guided by universal ethical principles like justice, equality, and human rights.
Information Booster:
Kohlberg's theory identifies three levels of moral development, each containing two stages:
1. Pre-conventional Level:
· Moral reasoning is based on external consequences and personal rewards or punishments. This stage is typical of children.
· Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation.
· Stage 2: Self-interest orientation (instrumental purpose and exchange).
2. Conventional Level:
· Moral reasoning is based on conforming to societal rules and seeking approval from others. Most adolescents and adults function at this level.
· Stage 3: Good interpersonal relationships (seeking approval).
· Stage 4: Maintaining social order (respecting authority and law).
3. Post-conventional Level:
· Individuals use their own moral principles, which may conflict with societal norms.
· Stage 5: Social contract and individual rights (acknowledging that laws can be changed if they are unjust).
· Stage 6: Universal ethical principles (moral reasoning based on abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles like justice and equality).
Additional Knowledge:
(a) Conventional: This level is where individuals conform to societal rules and seek to maintain social order. The focus is on gaining approval and maintaining law and order, not yet forming personal moral standards independent of society's rules.
(b) Pre-conventional: This level is characterized by a focus on self-interest and obedience to avoid punishment or gain rewards. Moral reasoning is external and based on physical consequences, not internalized personal moral standards.
(c) Beginning: This is not a recognized stage in Kohlberg’s theory. The "beginning" stages would typically be referred to as part of the pre-conventional level.
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