In the last stage of the described moral development, right and wrong are defined by which criterion?

• A. What is best for most people
• B. Following the rules
• C. Abstract principles of justice
• D. Personal feelings only

Answer: (A)

In the final stage of this moral development, actions are judged by their impact on others and by what benefits the broader group. The guiding idea is to maximize overall welfare, focusing on what is best for most people rather than simply obeying rules or acting from personal feelings. This is why the criterion described is that what is best for most people serves as the decision standard. The other options fit earlier stages—following rules is rule-based morality, abstract principles of justice point to universal norms independent of outcomes, and personal feelings only ignores the greater good and broader consequences.