Which stage is associated with universal ethical principles in Kohlberg's model?

• A. Stage 3
• B. Stage 6
• C. Stage 1
• D. Stage 4

Answer: (B)

Universal ethical principles appear at the highest level of Kohlberg's model, where moral thinking is guided by internalized ideals such as justice, human rights, and equality rather than by rules, rewards, or social approval. This stage, the principled level, involves acting according to these universal principles even when they conflict with laws or norms. For example, someone might stand up for basic rights or oppose an unjust law because the principle of justice takes precedence over compliance.

Earlier stages focus on getting approval from others, following rules to maintain social order, or avoiding punishment. Those approaches don’t center on universal principles in the same way, which is why they don’t fit as well as Stage 6.