moral responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral responsibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the ethical obligations that individuals have to the wider society or to other individuals. For example, "We must all take on our moral responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I take full moral responsibility".

The New York Times

Moral responsibility can be indirect.

The Economist

But they cannot escape moral responsibility.

The New York Times

What is my moral responsibility here?

The New York Times - Magazine

I do not deny moral responsibility".

The New York Times - Arts

"We're talking about moral responsibility".

The New York Times - Arts

These Afghans are the President's moral responsibility.

The New Yorker

That's my moral responsibility," she says.

The Guardian

"[VW] has to take moral responsibility.

The Guardian - Business

"I have to take moral responsibility for it".

The New York Times

But the debate is about moral responsibility, not legal conceits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In persuasive writing, connect "moral responsibility" to tangible outcomes or consequences. This helps readers understand the real-world impact of ethical choices.

Common error

Avoid assuming that legal compliance equates to fulfilling "moral responsibility". An action can be legal but still ethically questionable, and vice versa.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral responsibility" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the state or condition of being morally accountable for something. Ludwig AI confirms that is used to denote an ethical obligation or duty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral responsibility" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies the ethical obligation or duty one has towards others or society. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedic and scientific discussions. To use the phrase effectively, ensure clarity in assigning accountability and avoid conflating legal and moral dimensions. By understanding its nuances and avoiding common pitfalls, you can enhance the precision and impact of your writing when addressing ethical considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral obligation

Emphasizes the binding nature of a moral duty or requirement.

ethical accountability

Focuses more on the ethical dimension of being answerable for one's actions.

ethical duty

Highlights the ethical aspect of a required action or behavior.

moral imperative

Suggests a compelling and unavoidable moral obligation.

sense of responsibility

Implies a personal feeling or awareness of being accountable.

personal accountability

Highlights the individual's role in being answerable for their actions.

principled accountability

Stresses that accountability is rooted in strong moral principles.

moral culpability

Directly addresses the degree to which someone is blameworthy for a moral wrong.

social responsibility

Broadens the scope to include obligations to society as a whole.

ethical burden

Highlights the weight or difficulty associated with an ethical obligation.

FAQs

How is "moral responsibility" different from legal responsibility?

"Moral responsibility" concerns ethical obligations and blameworthiness based on moral principles, while legal responsibility is determined by laws and courts. One can have moral responsibility without legal liability, and vice versa.

What does it mean to take "moral responsibility" for something?

Taking "moral responsibility" means acknowledging one's role in an event or situation, especially when something goes wrong. It involves accepting accountability and a willingness to address the consequences.

Who typically bears "moral responsibility" in an organization?

In an organization, "moral responsibility" can be distributed among individuals, teams, and leadership, depending on their roles and the nature of the situation. Leaders often bear a higher degree of moral responsibility due to their influence and decision-making power.

Is there a difference between "moral responsibility" and "ethical responsibility"?

While often used interchangeably, "moral responsibility" generally refers to broader, more personal principles of right and wrong, while "ethical responsibility" often implies adherence to a specific code or set of standards, such as those in a profession.