moral equilibrium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral equilibrium" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a state of balance between moral principles or ethical considerations. Example: "In her philosophy, she argues that achieving moral equilibrium is essential for a just society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Pinter's brilliant 1993 production restored the moral equilibrium by implying that the professor was physically attracted to his student: in his heart, at least, he was culpable.

The Guardian

As science allows us to intervene more than ever at the beginning and the end of life, it outruns our ability to reach a new moral equilibrium.

The New York Times - Magazine

With my own moral equilibrium in mind -- as well as my age, my middling technological aptitude and my apparently suspect ability to distinguish between the virtual and the real -- I sit down in my living room to play (if that's even the right word anymore) Max Payne, another popular, violent title from Rockstar.

The New York Times - Magazine

The complaints that he levels against the Bright Young People are essentially those of every other disparager of the day: naivety, callousness, insensitivity, insincerity, flippancy, a fundamental lack of seriousness and moral equilibrium that sours every relationship and endeavour they are involved in.

The Guardian - Books

In presenting the story of Mr. Mac's good-hearted Shen Te, struggling desperately to maintain her moral equilibrium in a society corrupted by economic hardship, it is also perhaps the only one I've seen that seems to be bringing urgent news of the current state of our world: rough and getting rougher for seemingly everyone but a privileged elite.

The New York Times

In a way that will always be mysterious, they endow suffering with a formal completion and thereby restore the moral equilibrium.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Dr. Bernard calls him "Paramahamsa," it means the highest type of man in the sense of physical, mental, and moral balance, poise, and equilibrium.

The New Yorker

The idea of balancing some cosmic scale, of restoring the moral order to equilibrium, is deeply appealing.

The Economist

The "task of compensatory justice" is "restitution": using the example of theft, Grotius explains that "such justice requires that the thing taken shall be returned" (ibid).. Evil deeds have disturbed the moral and legal equilibrium of society; they have unjustly benefited some while unjustly harming others.

SEP

Rather, he says, to be of interest to moral philosophy, a reflective equilibrium should seek what results from challenging existing beliefs by arguments and implications that derive from the panoply of developed positions in moral and political philosophy (Rawls A Theory of Justice 2nd Edition, 1999, p. 43).

SEP

In fact, Rawls (Rawls 1971) at one point suggested that arriving at the principles that match our moral judgments in reflective equilibrium might reveal our "moral grammar" in a way that is analogous to uncovering the grammar that underlies our syntactic ability as native speakers of a language to make judgments about grammatical form.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex ethical dilemmas, use "moral equilibrium" to underscore the need for balanced consideration of competing values and principles.

Common error

Avoid using "moral equilibrium" in contexts where simpler terms like "fairness" or "justice" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when describing intricate ethical balancing acts, not everyday moral situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral equilibrium" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state of balance or stability concerning moral principles, values, or considerations, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral equilibrium" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of balance and stability in ethical and moral considerations. Ludwig's examples show that the expression is considered correct and appears in both news media and scientific contexts. Although the phrase isn't particularly frequent, it serves a valuable role in discussions requiring nuanced understanding of ethical balancing. Alternatives include "ethical balance" and "moral balance", and it's best to reserve its use for complex ethical scenarios where simpler terms would be inadequate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical balance

Replaces "moral" with "ethical", focusing on accepted principles of right and wrong.

moral balance

A more concise version, omitting "equilibrium" while retaining the core meaning of moral steadiness.

moral stability

Emphasizes the steadfastness and consistency of moral principles.

ethical stability

Combines the concepts of ethics and stability.

moral steadiness

Highlights the quality of being firm and unwavering in one's moral convictions.

moral poise

Suggests a composed and balanced moral state.

moral composure

Highlights maintaining calmness in moral decision-making.

ethical composure

Highlights maintaining ethical behavior in making a calmness decision.

moral evenness

Focuses on the lack of fluctuations or extremes in moral judgment.

moral equanimity

Suggests a state of mental calmness and composure, especially in a difficult situation in moral context.

FAQs

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

You can use "moral equilibrium" to describe a state of balance between different moral considerations, as in, "The judge sought to restore "moral equilibrium" after the controversial verdict".

What phrases can I use instead of "moral equilibrium"?

Alternatives include "ethical balance", "moral balance", or "moral stability", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

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

While similar, "moral equilibrium" typically refers to a balance of personal values and societal norms, whereas "ethical equilibrium" might emphasize professional or codified ethical standards. The choice depends on the specific context.

How does one achieve "moral equilibrium" in decision-making?

Achieving "moral equilibrium" involves carefully weighing competing values, considering potential consequences, and striving for a resolution that minimizes harm and maximizes overall ethical integrity.