Final answer:
In Kohlberg's highest stage of moral development, post-conventional morality, people make decisions based on universal ethical principles that place intrinsic values, such as the sanctity of human life, above laws or societal expectations. These decisions are not necessarily predictive of actual behavior, as actions may differ from expressed moral reasoning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kohlberg's Highest Stage of Moral Development
At Kohlberg's highest stage of moral development, known as the post-conventional level, individuals base their decisions on abstract principles and the understanding that laws and morality may not always align. People operating at this stage consider universal ethical principles that transcend laws or social conventions, and make choices that reflect an underlying principle rather than personal gain or societal expectations.
For example, in Kohlberg's hypothetical dilemma, he argues that someone at the post-conventional level would decide that Heinz should steal the drug to save his wife's life because the intrinsic value of a human life outweighs the pharmacist's financial interest. This demonstrates a moral reasoning that is rooted in the belief that life is inherently valuable, a principle that takes precedence over legal or commercial concerns.
It is essential to understand that while the post-conventional stage represents a sophisticated form of moral reasoning, it does not always predict moral behavior. Individuals can articulate high-level moral principles, yet in real-life situations, they may act based on less developed stages of moral reasoning.