Final answer:
The pre-conventional level of moral reasoning emphasizes rewards and punishments, while the post-conventional level is based on moral principles according to Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pre-conventional level emphasizes rewards and punishments, whereas the post-conventional level emphasizes moral principles. This distinction is part of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, which includes three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. In the pre-conventional stage, behavior is guided by punishments and rewards. In the conventional stage, social norms and the maintenance of social order become important. Finally, in the post-conventional stage, morality is guided by more abstract principles that transcend laws and rules.
At the post-conventional level, individuals make moral decisions based on principles that reflect universal ethical standards, rather than out of fear of punishment or desire for rewards. This is often characterized by a concern for a larger ethical good, which can contradict legal structures, such as when people protest against government corruption despite its legality.