moral contemplation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral contemplation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of thinking deeply about ethical or moral issues. Example: "The philosopher engaged in moral contemplation to explore the implications of his theories on justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a tall order for Mr. Auslander to raise an essentially comic novel to this level of moral contemplation.

The New York Times - Books

Andrea Levy George Michael Shirley Robertson Kevin Spacey Mark Austin Kathy Burke Reverend John Graham For 36 years the three-minute slot for moral contemplation on Radio 4's Today programme, Thought for the Day, has been the exclusive domain of religious scholars such as Mona Siddiqui, Shagufta Yaqub and Archbishop Rowan Williams.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Either form of contemplation (moral or aesthetic) renders weapons and corpses into emblems of ultimate truth.

The New York Times - Books

As with an addict, there's little pause for moral or legal contemplation.

Forbes

Prudence, which is the ability to choose good and avoid evil, intellectual contemplation, moral and political virtue, friendship, education and character (all essential elements in Aristotle's ethics) are subsumed in Augustine's moral theology under the command to love God.

SEP

It plans to open to 180 pupils, initially offering reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes, with an ethos based on "spiritual and moral dispositions" such as "contemplation", "creativity" and "compassion".

BBC

On Whewell's view, the contemplation of the moral principles is conceived as a rational process.

SEP

You end up contemplating your own contemplation.

The Guardian

Also controversial was Berlin's claim that the writing and contemplation of history necessarily involves moral evaluation.

SEP

Moral judgments (like reals) are absolute, springing from contemplation, incapable of proof and not requiring proof.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The model of the educated man that emerged from this process was the Scholastic, whose rational intelligence had been vigorously disciplined for the pursuit of moral excellence and whose highest happiness was found in contemplation of the Christian God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral contemplation" when you want to emphasize a thoughtful and deep reflection on ethical implications, rather than a quick judgment or decision. It's particularly suitable in philosophical or ethical discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "moral contemplation" when you actually mean to describe a quick "moral judgment". Contemplation implies a deeper, more considered reflection, while judgment suggests a more immediate assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral contemplation" functions as a noun phrase, where "moral" acts as an adjective specifying the type of contemplation. It refers to the act of deeply thinking about moral principles and ethical considerations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral contemplation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe deep reflection on ethical principles. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare in usage, it appears primarily in news, media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, emphasize the thoroughness and depth of the reflection. Consider alternatives like "ethical reflection" or "moral reflection" for similar meanings. Avoid using it when referring to a quick judgment rather than a considered thought process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral reflection

Directly mirrors the original phrase, swapping "contemplation" for a synonym with a slightly more active connotation.

moral analysis

Replaces "contemplation" with "analysis", suggesting a more structured and analytical approach.

ethical consideration

Focuses on the ethical aspects of a situation, rather than the reflective process.

moral reasoning

Highlights the reasoning aspect rather than just contemplation.

ethical reasoning

Emphasizes the logical and rational process of determining the right course of action.

conscientious deliberation

Replaces "moral" with "conscientious", highlighting a sense of duty and thoroughness in the deliberation.

ethical introspection

Shifts the focus to a more internal and self-reflective examination of one's own ethical values.

principled meditation

Combines the idea of having principles with the reflective act of meditation.

value assessment

Centers on evaluating and prioritizing values in a given context.

soul-searching

Suggests a deep, often emotional, examination of one's moral compass.

FAQs

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

"Moral contemplation" is used to describe the act of thinking deeply about ethical or moral issues. For example, "The philosopher engaged in moral contemplation to explore the implications of his theories on justice."

What is another way to say "moral contemplation"?

Alternatives to "moral contemplation" include "ethical reflection", "moral reflection", or "ethical consideration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "moral contemplation" the same as "ethical contemplation"?

While similar, "moral contemplation" generally refers to reflections on principles of right and wrong, whereas "ethical contemplation" might specifically relate to professional or societal standards of conduct.

When is it appropriate to use the term "moral contemplation" in writing?

Use "moral contemplation" when describing a deliberate and thoughtful process of examining moral principles or dilemmas, especially in philosophical, religious, or ethical contexts.