Moral Agency

Moral agency presumes that human beings are capable of choice and morally accountable for their actions, as well as the consequences of those actions. Closely related to the theory of self, moral agency embodies the ability to self-regulate and self-sanction one's behavior; it is part of living in community. Individuals have the capacity for making moral judgments and taking actions in keeping with a moral code. People who function as moral agents are able to consider the relationship between means and ends. They balance their intentions and actions with probable consequences and determine whether the ends justify the means. In general, theories of moral agency do not hold an individual responsible for the unintentional consequences of an action.

To some degree, moral agency is dependent on ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles