moral obligations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral obligations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ethical responsibilities or duties that individuals or groups are expected to uphold. Example: "As citizens, we have moral obligations to protect the environment for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Special moral obligations can only arise from voluntary actions and choices that are morally justifiable (135).

SEP

"This is not about moral obligations, businesses need workers".

The Guardian

But the law doesn't encompass all of our moral obligations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet when it does, our moral obligations remain.

The New York Times - Books

But with or without a law, moral obligations to assist one's aging parents are commonly felt.

The New York Times

Moral obligations aside, why should rich countries agree to stand the bill for now?

Independent

"I think we are fulfilling our moral obligations to the people of Syria," he said.

Independent

"The theological voice wants doctrines, creeds and moral obligations," Father Greeley wrote.

The New York Times

"I don't believe that journalists are exempt from moral obligations or international justice".

The Guardian

Somehow, we need to balance moral responsibility to human beings against moral obligations to animals".

The Guardian

Corporations are designed to make money -- not to meet patriotic or moral obligations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the perspective of all stakeholders when evaluating "moral obligations" to ensure a balanced and ethically sound approach.

Common error

Avoid stating "moral obligations" without specifying to whom or what these obligations are owed. Clearly define the parties involved and the specific nature of the duties in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral obligations" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies duties or responsibilities that individuals or groups feel bound to uphold based on moral principles. This aligns with Ludwig's finding that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

53%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "moral obligations" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote ethical duties and responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal settings, reflecting its broad applicability. While "moral obligations" is widely understood, it's crucial to define the specific duties and parties involved to ensure clarity. Related phrases such as "ethical duties" and "moral responsibilities" offer nuanced alternatives, and understanding common errors like overgeneralization can enhance precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral duties

Direct synonym, placing emphasis on the 'duty' aspect.

moral responsibilities

A very close synonym, stressing the responsibility aspect of moral considerations.

ethical duties

Focuses specifically on duties related to ethics, highlighting principles of right and wrong.

ethical responsibilities

Similar to "moral obligations" but emphasizes the ethical aspect of responsibilities.

ethical commitments

Emphasizes a pledge or dedication to ethical standards.

social responsibilities

Obligations related to the well-being of society as a whole.

sense of duty

Internal feeling of obligation, not necessarily external demands.

civic duties

Implies obligations specifically related to citizenship and community.

principles of conduct

Refers to the moral rules or guidelines that govern behavior.

code of ethics

A formal set of rules and standards, often in a professional context.

FAQs

What are some examples of "moral obligations"?

Examples of "moral obligations" include keeping promises, telling the truth, helping those in need, and respecting the rights of others.

How do "moral obligations" differ from legal obligations?

"Moral obligations" are based on ethical principles and personal conscience, while "legal obligations" are enforced by law. Failing to meet legal obligations can result in penalties.

Who determines what our "moral obligations" are?

Determining "moral obligations" can involve personal values, societal norms, cultural beliefs, and ethical frameworks. Different individuals and groups may have varying perspectives.

What happens when "moral obligations" conflict with each other?

When "moral obligations" conflict, it often requires careful consideration, ethical reasoning, and prioritization based on the specific circumstances and values involved.