What percentage of people are typically capable of Stage 5 or Stage 6?

• A. 5%
• B. 10-15%
• C. 25%
• D. 50%

Answer: (B)

In Kohlberg’s theory, Stage 5 and Stage 6 are high-level, post-conventional levels of moral reasoning. Stage 5 focuses on social contracts and individual rights, while Stage 6 involves universal ethical principles that may override laws when they’re inconsistent with justice. These stages are reached by only a minority of people, with about 10-15% attaining Stage 5 and even fewer reaching Stage 6. So, the percentage of people typically capable of Stage 5 or Stage 6 falls in the 10-15% range. The other options are too low or too high compared to how rarely these advanced stages are reached.