moral actors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral actors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals or entities that are capable of making ethical decisions and taking responsibility for their actions. Example: "In the context of social justice, we must recognize that all individuals are moral actors who have the power to influence change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But one can see, in the hanging of hateful signs on children, the very opposite of Fred Rogers's life's project, which was to treat young people both morally and as serious moral actors.

The New Yorker

States, he believes, can never be moral actors.

The New Yorker

They are not moral actors and they have no feelings.

The Guardian - Opinion

He just understood that people are moral judgers and moral actors, and he reintegrated the vocabulary of character into discussions of everyday life.

The New York Times

They are now independent moral actors, and their situation requires that they either publicly oppose their father's war or do something to support it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We get up in the morning and never give a thought to our responsibility as Jews, Americans, or moral actors whose decisions have consequences for other people".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The argument that he evolved as a businessman is more convincing than his transformation as a communicator and moral actor.

The Economist

Moreover, it's pretty clear that you can be a substandard moral actor and nevertheless an effective legislator or negotiator.

The Economist

Obama, in seeking to restore international faith in the US as a moral actor, promised to end his predecessor's era of waging war in Muslim countries.

The Guardian - Opinion

The analysis critically highlights the dramatic quality inherent to moral scenes, and depicts and discusses how visitors' texts selectively address the moral Actor, Action and Motive as parts of the social moral drama they evaluate.

Discourse, Context & Media

In this case, the moral actor is confronted not so much with the goods attainable by the mind as with the ills that the mind needs to transform into opportunities for inner exercise or practical gain.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex ethical issues, use "moral actors" to emphasize the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and bear responsibility for the consequences.

Common error

Be cautious when attributing "moral actor" status to non-sentient entities like corporations or AI systems. While their actions can have moral implications, they lack the inherent capacity for moral reasoning that humans possess.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral actors" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies individuals or entities that possess the capacity for moral judgment and action, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral actors" is a noun phrase used to describe individuals or entities capable of making ethical decisions and being held accountable for their actions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the capacity of the entity to truly possess moral reasoning. Alternatives such as "ethical agents" or "responsible agents" may offer nuanced perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical agents

Focuses specifically on the ethical dimension of their agency.

individuals with moral agency

Rephrases the core concept with slightly more formal language.

responsible agents

Emphasizes the accountability aspect of their actions.

moral agents

Synonymous, but "moral agents" is more generic.

ethical decision-makers

Highlights the decision-making aspect of moral action.

conscientious individuals

Focuses on the internal moral compass of individuals.

principled actors

Emphasizes adherence to a specific set of moral principles.

virtuous agents

Implies a higher standard of moral excellence.

accountable entities

Shifts the focus to organizations or groups that must answer for their actions.

socially responsible entities

Broadens the scope to include societal impact alongside morality.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral actors" to describe individuals, groups, or institutions that are capable of making ethical judgments and taking responsibility for their actions. For example, "Politicians are expected to be "moral actors" in society".

What's the difference between "moral agents" and "moral actors"?

"Moral agents" and "moral actors" are often used interchangeably, but "moral agents" may emphasize the capacity for moral reasoning, while "moral actors" highlights the active role in performing morally relevant actions.

Is it correct to refer to corporations as "moral actors"?

Referring to corporations as "moral actors" is debated. While they can be held accountable for their actions, some argue they lack the inherent moral capacity of individuals. Consider using "socially responsible entities" as an alternative.

What are some examples of "moral actors" in international relations?

In international relations, "moral actors" can include states, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that promote ethical principles and human rights.