moral agency

USAGE SUMMARY

'moral agency' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or group's ability to make moral decisions and take morally responsible actions. For example, "The leaders of the organization had to take moral agency and make difficult decisions that would shape the future of the business."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fundamentally, it is concerned with our moral agency, the kind of beings we are or ought to be, morally speaking.

SEP

Moreover, Liao's account requires a conceptually difficult, morally uncertain distinction between genomes that have and lack "the basis for moral agency" (e.g., Wasserman 2002; McMahan 2002, 2008).

SEP

It is time that we put a woman's health and her moral agency ahead of political agendas.

The New York Times

So there is no American particularity about loners, disenfranchised immigrants, narcissism, alienated youth, complex moral agency, or Evil.

The New Yorker

Nor is their moral agency merely the moral agency of their members or the moral agency of group representatives.

SEP

Some authors have maintained that technology can have moral agency.

SEP

We need to learn more about what really is the root of moral agency.

TechCrunch

Such technologies have a profound impact on people's intentionality, and therefore they urge us to rethink moral agency and responsibility.

Encyclopedia of Applied Ethics

Sullins (2006) counters this argument by noting that consciousness is not required for moral agency.

SEP

He also believed that moral agency and freedom are compatible with metaphysical necessity.

SEP

Sullins argues in line with Dennett that moral agency does not require personhood (2006).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the actions of organizations or groups, use "moral agency" to highlight their capacity to make ethical choices and be held responsible for their impact.

Common error

Be careful not to use "moral agency" when you actually mean "moral agent". "Moral agency" refers to the capacity for ethical decision-making, while a "moral agent" is the entity (person, group, etc.) that possesses that capacity.

Linguistic Context

Moral agency functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the capacity or ability to make moral judgments and be held accountable for actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral agency" is a noun phrase that signifies the capacity to make moral judgments and be held responsible for one's actions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in science, news and media. While often linked to "free will", it specifically highlights the ethical dimension of decision-making. Be sure to use the term precisely, distinguishing it from "moral agent", which refers to the actor possessing the capacity. Exploring related concepts such as "ethical responsibility" and "moral autonomy" can deepen understanding and enhance effective communication in discussions concerning ethics and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical responsibility

Focuses more on the obligation and duty aspect of moral conduct.

moral accountability

Emphasizes being answerable for one's moral actions and decisions.

ethical decision-making capacity

Highlights the ability to make choices based on ethical principles.

capacity for moral action

Stresses the potential or ability to perform morally significant deeds.

moral autonomy

Focuses on the self-governance and independence in moral decision-making.

moral competence

Highlights the knowledge and understanding of ethical principles and their application.

moral subjectivity

Emphasizes the individual's role in defining morality and living according to those personal moral codes.

moral standing

Emphasizes having enough moral significance to be entitled to certain rights or protections.

moral judgment

Refers to the ability to discern what is right or wrong.

moral sense

Highlights having an innate moral compass.

FAQs

How is "moral agency" typically used in philosophical discussions?

In philosophy, "moral agency" often refers to the capacity of an individual or entity to make moral judgments and be held accountable for their actions. It explores the conditions under which someone can be considered a "moral agent".

What is the difference between "moral agency" and "free will"?

While related, "free will" is the ability to choose between different courses of action, whereas "moral agency" is the capacity to make decisions based on moral principles and be responsible for those decisions. One can have "free will" without necessarily exercising "moral agency".

How does the concept of "moral agency" apply to artificial intelligence?

The question of whether AI can possess "moral agency" is a subject of ongoing debate. It involves considering whether AI can genuinely understand and apply moral principles, or if its actions are simply the result of programmed algorithms. The development of AI has ignited further discussion on "computing responsibility".

What are some factors that can affect or diminish "moral agency"?

Factors that can compromise "moral agency" include coercion, manipulation, lack of information, and certain psychological conditions. Oppression and social constraints can also limit an individual's ability to exercise their "moral autonomy" and make free moral choices.