a moral assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a moral assumption" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing beliefs or ideas that are taken for granted regarding what is right or wrong in a moral context. Example: "The study revealed a moral assumption that all individuals should have equal access to education, regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Kantian requirement of impartiality, according to Hare, can be justified by considerations about the meaning of the concepts, rather than a moral assumption.

SEP

It relies also upon a moral assumption about the relative standing of the individuals who have interests in, or who lay claim to, a participatory good.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Premise 3 of the reconstructed argument is a substantive moral assumption.

SEP

Correspondingly, no amount of empirical investigation seems by itself, without some moral assumption(s) in play, sufficient to settle a moral question.

SEP

However, some (although not all) exclusivists reject the basic moral assumption on which Himma's argument is based: that we are in a position to correctly identify some of the basic moral principles that guide God's interaction with us as humans.

SEP

They don't project some moral assumption onto any one of these things.

Huffington Post

Discovering the meaning and purpose behind our eating patterns requires something most people, as well as many counselors, simply ignore -- the patience and love of a naturalist where moral assumptions and ideas of health are temporarily suspended so that empirical and discoverable details can be observed.

Huffington Post

How all this occurred and how it seemed at the time are worth describing in detail because it suggests the manner in which institutions are vulnerable when they rest on moral assumptions which a determined, clever man can exploit.

The Guardian

But a progressive policy needs more than just a bigger break with the economic and moral assumptions of the past 30 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

The reviews of Hildreth's translation praised Bentham's legal philosophy while objecting to its underlying moral assumptions and disdain for religion, a position frequently adopted by early critics—even Hildreth took this less than consistent view (1840, I, iii).

SEP

Greed is a notion, in fact, that comes positively bristling with religious and moral assumptions that modern culture does not quite know how to handle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a moral assumption", ensure the context clarifies whose morality or which ethical framework is being assumed. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a moral assumption" as universally accepted without considering cultural or individual differences. Acknowledge potential counterarguments or alternative perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a moral assumption" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, it denotes a belief or idea about morality that is taken for granted without explicit proof.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a moral assumption" is a noun phrase that describes a presupposition about morality. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and used in both science and news contexts. While relatively rare, understanding the meaning of "a moral assumption" helps you to understand the underlying principles and beliefs that shape people's judgements. When using this phrase, always be mindful of potential cultural or individual differences in moral frameworks. Consider using alternative phrases such as "an ethical assumption" or "a value judgment" to emphasize specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ethical assumption

Focuses specifically on ethical principles rather than general morality.

a moral presupposition

Emphasizes that the assumption is taken as a prior condition.

an underlying moral belief

Highlights the foundational nature of the belief in a moral framework.

a value judgment

Highlights the subjective evaluation aspect of the assumption.

a normative assumption

Focuses on the assumption's role in establishing norms or standards.

a moral premise

Highlights its function as a basis for reasoning.

a moral principle

Focuses on the assumption as a guiding rule of conduct.

a moral conviction

Emphasizes the strength of belief in the moral assumption.

a moral stance

Highlights the position taken regarding the moral assumption.

a moral expectation

Focuses on the anticipated behavior or outcome based on the moral assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "a moral assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "a moral assumption" to refer to an underlying belief about right and wrong that influences reasoning or behavior. For example: "The argument relies on "a moral assumption" that all life is inherently valuable."

What is another way to express "a moral assumption"?

Alternatives include "an ethical assumption", "a value judgment", or "a moral presupposition", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state "a moral assumption"?

Not always. Sometimes the moral assumption is implicit within a broader argument or cultural context. However, stating it explicitly can enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

What's the difference between "a moral assumption" and "a moral conclusion"?

"A moral assumption" is a starting point for moral reasoning, while "a moral conclusion" is the result or outcome of that reasoning. One is the premise, the other is the result.