In the Heinz dilemma, which justification reflects postconventional reasoning that life may outweigh property?

• A. Not steal because it is illegal
• B. Steal to avoid immediate punishment
• C. Steal because his wife's life has priority over property
• D. Steal because the pharmacist needs to make a living

Answer: (C)

Reasoning at this level looks to universal ethical principles rather than rules or personal gain. Saying that his wife’s life takes priority over property shows a principled stance: the moral importance of preserving human life overrides property rights and even the pharmacist’s financial incentive. That kind of principle-based judgment is the hallmark of postconventional thinking. In contrast, not stealing because it’s illegal relies on following laws, stealing to avoid punishment rests on avoiding consequences, and stealing because the pharmacist needs to make a living appeals to personal or social considerations rather than a universal rule about life’s value.