What does post-conventional morality entail in Kohlberg's framework?

Post-conventional morality, within Kohlberg's framework, refers to a stage of moral development where individuals base their decisions on personal ethical principles that may transcend societal rules and laws. At this level, a person evaluates the morality of actions in terms of broader ethical principles such as justice, equality, and human rights. This stage often involves a recognition that societal laws may sometimes be in conflict with one's own moral beliefs, leading to actions that prioritize personal integrity or universal ethical standards over strict adherence to the law.

This stage represents a more advanced level of moral reasoning, where individuals are not merely conforming to societal expectations or pursuing their interests, but are instead guided by a sense of higher principles or justice that they determine for themselves. This capacity for principled reasoning is what characterizes post-conventional morality, enabling a person to critically assess the validity of laws and societal norms against their own moral compass.