Moral certainty is a term used in law and ethics to describe the belief that a decision or rule is morally sound and without dispute. It serves as a guide for decision-making when ethical considerations are taken into account. It is achievable, however, only when one can accept a particular pronouncement as being accurate, true, and unwavering, even though subjective judgment must still be applied to the specific situation to determine the correct course of action.
Moral certainty is an important factor in decision-making. It is the ability to act based on a certain conviction that one’s judgment is right and based on well founded ethical beliefs. It is important in the sense that it can create confidence in a course of action and eliminate self doubt. In essence, it is the belief that one can trust one’s conscience.
Examples of Moral Certainty
One example of moral certainty is the global “Me Too” movement, in which individuals are standing up and speaking out against sexual harassment and gender discrimination. Despite the subjective nature of the experiences and backgrounds of those involved, the movement is based on a shared moral conviction that all people should have the right to work without fear or intimidation. This common belief, even though it is interpreted differently by different people, is evidence of moral certainty.
A second example is the recent Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Here, people from all walks of life have come together to demonstrate their solidarity with individuals of color, and to fight against systemic racism and injustice. While opinions about tactics may differ, the demonstrations are based on a shared conviction that all people deserve to be treated fairly and with dignity, and that racial injustices must be unearthed and challenged.
Conclusion
Moral certainty is an important concept in law and ethics and is not easily attained. It is achieved when one can accept certain principles or values as being morally sound and unflinching; when a conviction is reached that the decision or rule is correct. Examples such as the “Me Too” and Black Lives Matter movements demonstrate that, when facing injustice, people can come together to form a shared moral certainty that is then used as a guide for social action.