Final answer:
Samantha's moral reasoning aligns with the conventional stage of Kohlberg's moral development theory, prioritizing societal laws and expectations over individual moral judgments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Samantha's reasoning in the moral dilemma presented aligns with Kohlberg's conventional stage of moral development. In this stage, individuals make moral decisions based on societal norms and the desire to follow rules to maintain social order. Samantha's concern about not wanting to go to jail indicates that she is considering the legal consequences of stealing and the importance of adhering to the law, which is a characteristic of the conventional level. This level is typically reached during early adolescence when youngsters become increasingly aware of society's rules and strive to conform to them. According to Kohlberg, people behave morally not just for self-interest but to fulfill social roles and expectations.
Lawrence Kohlberg recognized that morality and legality do not always align; however, in this stage of development, Samantha prioritizes the legal aspect over the potential moral justification for stealing to help a homeless person. This indicates that her moral reasoning is not yet at the post-conventional stage, where individuals might prioritize moral principles over legal constraints.