In his theory of moral development, Lawrence Kohlberg proposed several stages through which individuals typically progress as they develop moral reasoning. His stages can be classified into three main levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Each level represents a different way of thinking about morality and the reasoning behind moral decisions.
At the pre-conventional level, morality is primarily focused on the consequences of actions. Moving to the conventional level, individuals begin to consider societal norms and the importance of maintaining relationships and social order. Finally, the post-conventional level involves more abstract reasoning regarding ethical principles.
Which of the following statements best describes an individual operating at the post-conventional level of moral development?