moral subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moral subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions related to ethics, philosophy, or moral psychology, often referring to an individual or entity that possesses moral agency or responsibility. Example: "In ethical debates, the moral subject is often considered to be the individual making the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Hegel affirms that "the right of the subjective will", the freedom of the moral subject, is inherent in modern ethical life, thus grounding reason in free thought, but only in the context of a conservative holism (Skorupski 2015).

SEP

The Kantian moral subject, which prized autonomy above all else, radically devalued habit, custom, and tradition what Hegel described as substantial ethical life, or Sittlichkeit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Just before and during the French Revolution, these and other painters adopted stirring moral subject matter from Roman history and celebrated the values of simplicity, austerity, heroism, and stoic virtue that were traditionally associated with the Roman Republic, thus drawing parallels between that time and the contemporary struggle for liberty in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To account for the self's ability to discern and resist deeply ingrained and culturally normative prejudice, the moral subject must not be reduced to the capacity for reason.

SEP

We might think that if Kant had written Hegel's Phenomenology he would have ended it at Chapter 6 with the modern moral subject as the telos of the story.

SEP

This is because resentment in the sense at issue requires such cognitions as that the wrongdoer is a moral agent and the victim a moral subject whose rights are in some way violated by a wrongdoer.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As regards the ethical question, not only are persons free and responsible moral subjects, but their subjectivity also conditions others' ethical responsibility toward them.

SEP

The 78th Academy Awards, like the year in film, seemed preoccupied with political and moral subjects.

The New York Times

The angry wit of those modern moral subjects is felt even when the Rake disappears.

The Guardian - Arts

His collected writings comprise 32 volumes on biblical, sacred, and moral subjects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I identify with his Englishness, his robust humour and his depiction of, in his own words, 'modern moral subjects'".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing philosophical or ethical theories, use "moral subject" to refer to the entity that bears moral responsibility or is the focus of ethical consideration. For instance, in Kantian ethics, the moral subject is the autonomous individual capable of rational decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "moral subject" when you actually mean "moral subject matter". The former refers to an agent, while the latter refers to a topic or theme.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "moral subject" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying an entity possessing moral agency or that is the focus of ethical consideration. As Ludwig examples show, it's used in discussing philosophical concepts, ethical frameworks, and the foundations of moral responsibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "moral subject" refers to an entity with moral agency or standing and is commonly used in philosophy, ethics, and legal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and provides examples from authoritative sources such as the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and The New York Times. When using "moral subject", ensure clarity and avoid confusing it with "moral subject matter". Alternative phrases include "ethical agent" and "moral agent". While uncommon, its appropriate usage enhances precision in discussions of ethical theory and moral responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical agent

This alternative emphasizes the capacity to act morally and make ethical decisions.

moral agent

Similar to "ethical agent", this term highlights the ability to be held accountable for moral actions.

moral person

A shorter, more direct way of referring to an individual capable of moral reasoning.

moral entity

This term broadens the scope to include non-human entities that might be subject to moral consideration.

responsible actor

This phrase focuses on the responsibility aspect of moral agency.

subject of moral consideration

This alternative emphasizes the state of being considered in a moral context.

object of moral duty

This phrase highlights the recipient of moral obligations.

one with moral standing

This alternative stresses the possession of inherent moral worth or rights.

ethical being

A more general term emphasizing the ethical dimension of existence.

person of moral worth

Highlights the value and significance of an individual in moral terms.

FAQs

How is "moral subject" used in philosophy?

In philosophy, a "moral subject" refers to an entity that possesses moral agency and is capable of making moral judgments and being held accountable for their actions. This concept is central to ethical theories such as Kantianism and virtue ethics.

What is an alternative term for "moral subject"?

Alternatives to "moral subject" include "ethical agent" or "moral agent", which emphasize the capacity to act morally. Other options are "subject of moral consideration" or "one with moral standing".

What is the difference between "moral subject" and "moral object"?

A "moral subject" is an entity capable of moral action and responsibility, while a "moral object" is an entity that is the recipient of moral actions or duties. For example, in animal ethics, animals may be considered moral objects even if they are not moral subjects.

How does the concept of "moral subject" relate to rights?

The concept of "moral subject" is often linked to the possession of rights. Entities recognized as moral subjects are typically considered to have inherent rights that must be respected by others. This is particularly relevant in discussions of human rights and animal rights.