Kohlberg's theory of moral development describes moral choices made in three ways:

• A. Moral choices made to avoid punishment, 'it's against the law' and internal ethical principles
• B. Moral choices based on cultural norms
• C. Moral choices based on immediate gratification
• D. Moral choices driven by emotions only

Answer: (A)

Moral reasoning, not just actions, is what Kohlberg’s theory explains. It shows how people justify right and wrong as they move from external controls to internal principles: initially aiming to avoid punishment, then conforming to laws and social expectations, and finally acting from universal ethical principles. The described option brings together these ideas—avoiding punishment, following rules or the law, and invoking internal ethical principles—highlighting how justification can shift across levels of reasoning. That breadth makes it the best fit for Kohlberg’s framework. The other choices focus on single ideas—culture-based norms, immediate self-interest, or emotions alone—and don’t account for the stepped development across the levels of moral reasoning.