moral certainty
1
7.4
- noun
- /ˈmɔrəl ˈsɜrtənti/
:
certeza moral
- I believe with absolute moral certainty that everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
Examples
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This is Obama's true gift to the liberal tradition: moral certainty on issues of grave moral complexity.
Blog text (27) -
He points out that "... even in a cultural situation marked by a widespread understanding of the relativity of moral values, there are what could be called eruptions of moral certainty in the face of certain evils."
Blog text (10) -
We must make a massive demonstration of our moral certainty.
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Here is where the ethics movement, with its moral certainty, has failed to live up to its potential as a positive force for change.
Academic text (2001) -
Our moral certainty can be further strengthened by Christian fellowship.
Academic text (2009) -
Second, even if the narrative were correct, these views represent an impermissible preference of a prudential judgment over a moral certainty.
Blog text (19) -
The telltale signs are his preference for moral certainty and frequently expressed dislike of nuance.
Blog text (10) -
Although he problematizes the idea of absolute certainty in salvation, Rahner allows for moral certainty with respect to our salvation: in assessing the ethical choices of our empirical lives, we can trust that by grace we have said yes.
Academic text (2009) -
Job's moral certainty is gradually reduced to a solipsistic resistance, while the friends' reiteration of Job's "wickedness" and God's justice degenerates into an empty generality.
Academic text (2006) -
Her actions reflect a deep moral certainty about what is right and wrong in society.
Antonyms
How Certain
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase's meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'moral' (relating to ethics) with 'certainty' (a state of confidence): it denotes confidence grounded in moral beliefs. This adjective+noun composition follows standard, cross-linguistically common patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would very likely infer the intended meaning.
Etymology
Moral certainty may come from the picture of someone whose strong sense of right and wrong (moral) feels like solid proof (certainty). That's why it means being sure about something because of your morals, even when you do not have hard 'proof'.