MORAL CERTAINTY Meaning and
Definition
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Moral certainty refers to a strong conviction or belief held by an individual that a particular action, decision, or belief is morally correct or right, often in the absence of tangible or empirical evidence. It typically stems from a personal ethical framework, cultural or religious values, or a sense of justice. Moral certainty arises when individuals are unwavering in their conviction about the moral integrity of their choices and are confident in the righteousness of their moral judgment.
Unlike a mere belief or personal opinion, moral certainty implies a high degree of confidence and a firm belief that one's stance is the morally superior or correct one. This conviction is often viewed as an internalized certainty rather than externally proven or scientifically validated. Moral certainty can be subjective and vary among individuals as each person's moral beliefs and values differ.
In legal contexts, moral certainty is often employed as a standard of proof in criminal cases, requiring the jury to possess an abiding conviction of the defendant's guilt, beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the definition of moral certainty in this context may differ from its general usage.
Overall, moral certainty represents a strong and unshakeable belief in the moral correctness of one's actions, decisions, or beliefs, stemming from personal values and convictions rather than external evidence or validation.
Etymology of MORAL CERTAINTY
The word "moral" originated from the Latin word "moralis", which means "of manners" or "pertaining to customs and behavior". It stems from the Latin noun "mos" or "mores", which means "custom" or "habit". The term was initially used in English in the 14th century to refer to matters of conduct or character.
The word "certainty" is derived from the Latin word "certus", which means "fixed" or "settled". The Latin word traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "ker", meaning "to grow" or "to make solid".
When combined, "moral certainty" implies a fixed or settled belief or conviction about matters of conduct, ethics, or moral principles. It suggests a state of being morally sure or confident about a particular judgment or conclusion.
