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Moral Licensing

EuanF

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately on my own personal morals and ethics. In doing this I've came across the concept of "moral Licensing". This is essentially a psychological phenomenon in where we use the knowledge of previous moral behaviour or actions to almost excuse and allow us to engage in morally questionable or straight up immoral acts without the full acknowledgement in lowering of our own moral standing. 

Unfortunately, in reflecting on a lot of my previous personal behaviours I can see so many times I have been caught in this. Using moral behaviour that I have presented in public to perhaps ignore or not truly acknowledge the impact of my immoral behaviour when on my own or in private. It's incredibly disappointing and honestly brings up a lot of feelings of shame. However, I do believe that genuine reflection and understanding of these things is the only way we can change going forward and be better people.  

Has anyone else had times in their life that, on reflection, might have involved the use of this moral licensing? And if so, do you feel you have taken important lessons from acknowledging it?

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  • I've always had a bit of a fascination with psychology, so found what you said rather interesting. 

    I believe that we all have our own ideas as to what we consider to be moral and immoral behaviour. I'm aware that there have been times during my life when I have been critical of others for behaving in a way I consider immoral, but then been guilty of the same immoral behaviour.

    Sometimes, the realisation that I've been a hypocrite has caused me to feel a sense of shame... enough for me to want to change my ways, whether that be privately or publicly. However, sometimes the shame I've felt hasn't affected me enough to make me want to be a better person and less of a hypocrite.

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  • I've always had a bit of a fascination with psychology, so found what you said rather interesting. 

    I believe that we all have our own ideas as to what we consider to be moral and immoral behaviour. I'm aware that there have been times during my life when I have been critical of others for behaving in a way I consider immoral, but then been guilty of the same immoral behaviour.

    Sometimes, the realisation that I've been a hypocrite has caused me to feel a sense of shame... enough for me to want to change my ways, whether that be privately or publicly. However, sometimes the shame I've felt hasn't affected me enough to make me want to be a better person and less of a hypocrite.

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