And now, we will now discuss the next level or phase of moral development

theory by Kohlberg which is the Post Conventional Morality or Principled Level.

In this stage, it marks a significant shift in moral reasoning, where personal
principles and ethical values takes place over the societal rules and law. In this level,
there are two stages under to it which are STAGE 5: Social Contract Orientation
and STAGE 6: Ethical Orientation which we will discuss later in detail.

LEVEL III: Post Conventional

- in this level, it is also known as “principled level.” In this phase, people start
to think in a more ADVANCED way of moral reasoning.
- People in this level realize that people are DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE. It
means that everyone has its own personal beliefs, principles, and perspective.
- In this level, individual’s own self is considered SIGNIFICANT over what the
society thinks or regardless of the laws and societal norms.
- People at this level recognize that while laws and societal rules are
IMPORTANT in maintaining order or to protect people’s or human’s rights, it
should be evaluated against personal ethical principles and belief. This
perspective often LEADS to individuals questioning or disobeying such laws
when they conflict with their moral convictions.
- Accordingly, laws are designated to PROTECT or maintain individual’s
rights, and these should be changed if they no longer serve that purpose that
is why it considered as CHANGEABLE MECHANISM.
Like for example: Dress Code

STAGE 5: Social Contract Orientation

- Laws and norms are seen as SOCIAL CONTRACT because it should be noted
that in this world, all of us have different values, opinions, rights, beliefs,
perspective, etc. Thus, different views should be respected.
- Laws are established as an ESSENTIAL for social harmony and to promote
universal values such as equality, and justice.
- Basically, in this stage, it HIGHLIGHTS the personal beliefs, social group we
belong to, few or some known universally accepted fundamental values such
as respect, justice, fairness, equality and such.
 Like for example: Democratic Form of Government

Insights: Suggests that laws are crucial for social function, but they must be
adaptable or subject to change based on evolving ethical standards and collective
good. That’s why the decisions are made for the “Greater Good for the Greatest
Number of People”. What was accepted by most people not just in society but as
a diverse society, it is considered morally good.

STAGE 6: Ethical (Principled) Orientation

- Considered as the most challenging stage because in this stage, the rules and
laws are now DISREGARDED because the personal’s views, principles, and
beliefs will be the most HIGHLIGHTED or SIGNIFICANT.
- Individuals adhere to universal ethical principles regardless of societal norms
and laws.
- At this stage, moral decisions are guided by a COMMITMENT TO
PRINCIPLES such as justice, equality, beliefs and respect for human dignity.
Individuals demonstrate moral courage by prioritizing their own ethical
principles over conformity to existing laws.
- Mostly in this stage, it resulted to the VIOLATIONS of such laws for their
own personal commitment.
Like for example: Pro-life vs. Pro-choice
Note: Pro-life values “Life as the most valuable existing thing in the world.
Therefore, it should be cared, and protected because life of an individual can make
a significant impact in the society.
Pro-choice values “Everyone should be equal and should be given equal
rights whether it is a baby or an elder. Therefore, women have the right in their body
to make such choices.”
People who support Pro-choice violates the law in a certain country like
Philippines or those religions who considered prohibition as a sin however people
who share the same ethical principles or value, will view it as MORALLY RIGHT.
Insights: It is difficult to attain or maintain this stage because of such challenges:
1. Complexity of Ethical Principles. Principles like justice and equality can be
complex and subject to interpretation. Sometimes, it is difficult to know what
the Ethical Principles are such as you may be wonder whether to value
individual’s rights or the common good. Also, undergoing deep questions that
are difficult to respond hinders on knowing what the true ethical principles is,
such as “Is ending one life in exchange for five lives good or bad?”, or “Are
there other things more valuable than life itself?”.
2. Conflicts in Societal Norms. Upholding personal ethical beliefs may lead to
face criticism or legal consequences which can be challenging to handle. It is
sometimes the primary reason why people are holding back and stays usually
in stage 5.
3. Inconsistency. People may attain this stage but eventually it will drop to
different stages. It is easy to be inconsistent especially when personal’s
interests or emotions come into play.
4. Social and Personal Pressures. Personal relationships can create conflicting
demands that challenges one’s ethical principle. This may sometimes need for
acceptance or fear of conflict which it makes difficult to stay true to one’s
moral convictions.
5. Lack of Support. Ethical values or principles are not shared or committed
because some people may not support to it leading to a possible conflict.

So, Judgements will be based on abstract reasoning:

1. Evaluating the Universal Principle. Whether the action aligns with
universal ethical principles.
Ex: Person A’s action involves harming others which it deems the principal
respect of human dignity.
2. Considering Legal and Social Norms. Though in stage 6 disregards the
societal norms, it still needs to be considered in making judgements because
we are still part of the society who has a role in it.
3. Assess Harm and Consequence. Weighing the harm caused by an individual
even their principles differ, it should be judged.
Example: Person A (Justice) leaks corruptive information of Person B (Privacy).