Which of the following is a characteristic of the post-conventional stage of moral development?

The post-conventional stage of moral development is characterized by decisions that are guided by personal moral principles rather than simply following societal norms or complying with authority. At this stage, individuals develop their own set of ethical principles that may not necessarily align with the expectations of society or any authoritative figures.

This means that people making decisions from a post-conventional perspective evaluate the morality of their choices based on their own values and conscience, even if it contradicts commonly accepted norms or laws. They seek universal ethical principles, such as justice and rights, which may lead to more principled and reasoned decision-making.

The other options reflect earlier stages of moral development, where decision-making is more heavily influenced by external factors. For instance, decisions based solely on self-interest indicate a pre-conventional perspective. Similarly, focusing on compliance with authority represents a conventional view, where obeying rules is paramount. Prioritizing conformity to societal norms also aligns with the conventional stage. Thus, the defining characteristic of the post-conventional stage is the adherence to self-defined moral principles rather than external pressures or standards.