moral error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake or misjudgment related to ethical or moral principles. Example: "The decision to prioritize profit over environmental concerns was a significant moral error on the part of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The moral error theorist stands to morality as the atheist stands to religion.

SEP

'Insofar as civil disobedience theory assumes that political resistance requires moral justification even in settings that are morally comparable to Jim Crow,' says Lyons, 'it is premised on serious moral error.' (Lyons, 1998, 39).

SEP

Hollande described Cahuzac's actions as an "unforgivable moral error".

The Guardian

"To have a child in order to benefit oneself is a moral error," Overall writes.

The New Yorker

In opposition, he rejected the Oslo peace agreement as "a moral error of the first order".

The Guardian

For Marvelous, failing to keep her life together in all ways would be a moral error.

The New Yorker

"I start with a situation, a moral error, and then I ask who it happens to".

The New Yorker

Taking up arms wasn't, for Bassem, a moral error so much as a strategic one.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a moral error because it deflects the blame from those who attacked the United States.

The New York Times

Only now, with that argument already made, is Catholic Health Initiatives saying it made a moral error.

The New York Times

"Yes, it's terrible to be caught," the Spectator wrote, "though rather delightful to commit moral error when no one is looking".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral error" to specifically denote a mistake in ethical reasoning or moral judgment, rather than a simple factual error or strategic miscalculation.

Common error

Avoid using "moral error" to describe situations where the issue is strategic or practical, rather than fundamentally about ethics or morality. Strategic miscalculations are not necessarily “moral errors”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral error" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject of a sentence to identify a specific kind of mistake. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes a departure from moral correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral error" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, primarily found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable to describe mistakes or misjudgments related to ethical or moral principles. As an alternative, consider using "ethical lapse" or "moral failing" depending on the context. It's crucial to differentiate it from strategic miscalculations, ensuring it accurately reflects a deviation from ethical norms. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, serving to label actions or decisions as ethically flawed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical lapse

Focuses on a temporary deviation from ethical standards.

moral failing

Emphasizes a deficiency in moral character or strength.

ethical misjudgment

Highlights an error in assessing the ethical implications of a situation.

principled mistake

Suggests an error made while adhering to principles, but with unintended consequences.

moral transgression

Implies a violation of moral boundaries or rules.

ethical violation

Indicates a breach of established ethical guidelines or codes.

moral blunder

Signifies a careless or stupid mistake from a moral point of view.

ethical breach

Similar to violation, but often implies a breakdown of ethical conduct.

moral misstep

A minor or unintentional error in moral judgment or behavior.

lapse in judgment

Broader term that can encompass moral errors, but not necessarily so.

FAQs

How is "moral error" used in philosophical contexts?

In philosophy, "moral error" is often used within the framework of "moral error theory", which posits that moral judgments systematically fail to accurately describe the world.

What's the difference between a "moral error" and an "ethical dilemma"?

A "moral error" implies a mistake in judgment, while an "ethical dilemma" involves a situation where there's no clear right or wrong answer, often requiring a choice between competing moral principles.

Can a "moral error" be unintentional?

Yes, a "moral error" can arise from ignorance, flawed reasoning, or unintentional negligence, not necessarily from malicious intent. It's distinct from deliberate wrongdoing.

What are some alternatives to using "moral error" in writing?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives to "moral error" might include "ethical lapse", "moral failing", or "ethical misjudgment". The best choice depends on the nuances you wish to convey.