Moral Agency
Moral agency refers to the capacity of individuals to make ethical decisions and be held accountable for their actions. It involves understanding the difference between right and wrong and the ability to act according to that understanding. Moral agents can evaluate the consequences of their actions and consider the impact on others, which is essential for responsible behavior in society.
In philosophy, moral agency is often discussed in relation to concepts like free will and responsibility. It is a key aspect of ethical theories, as it determines who can be praised or blamed for their choices. This capacity is typically associated with humans, but debates exist about the moral agency of animals and artificial intelligence.