Moral Agency

Question 1

Define Moral Agency.

Answer 1

An individual’s ability to make moral judgment based on some notion of ‘right’/’wrong’, and to be held accountable for his/her action(s).
1. Capacity
2. Responsibility
3. Accountability

Question 2

What are the x3 Components of Moral Agency and their definitions?

Answer 2

1. Capacity to Judge:
   (a) Possess the ability to think critically and rationally
   (b) Be able to identify moral issues/dilemmas
   (c) Understand the difficult/unpleasant actions must be does as a means to moral resolution
2. Moral Autonomy:
   (a) Power of self-determination
   (b) Self-governance - living according to one’s personal values/beliefs/desires
   (c) Personal responsibility
3. Freewill:
   (a) Possess the ability to choose between actions without interference
   (b) To apply moral thinking within/to a moral dilemma
   (c) Not influenced/determined by physical or divine forces

Question 3

What x3 things does Moral Philosophy necessitate?

Answer 3

1. Reflection
2. Contemplation
3. Wisdom (Phronesis)

Question 4

What comes first, Moral Resolution or Moral Action?

Answer 4

Moral Resolution Precedes Moral Action - Look Before You Leap.

Question 5

Why is moral Resolution important?

Question 6

Define a Moral Dilemma.

Answer 6

A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two courses of action, either of which entails transgressing a moral principle.

Question 7

Provide an example of a Moral Dilemma.

Question 8

Who would not be considered an independent moral agent?