Mains Focus – 9th Sept 2025

Question

Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning with suitable examples. (10M) [GS 4]   [2023]

Answer

Moral intuition refers to an immediate, instinctive judgment about right and wrong, shaped by emotions, culture, and lived experiences—for example, a relief worker instinctively rushing to help during a disaster. In contrast, moral reasoning involves deliberate, logical evaluation of ethical principles—such as concluding that equity is morally superior to discrimination. While intuition operates subconsciously and rapidly, reasoning requires conscious reflection and analysis.

Differences Between Moral Intuition and Moral Reasoning

1. Speed

• Moral Intuition: Quick, automatic, instinctive response.
  Example: Stopping a child from stealing without thinking.

• Moral Reasoning: Slow, deliberate, and reflective.
  Example: Debating a company’s ethical stance on environmental issues.
  

2. Basis of Judgment (Rationale)

• Moral Intuition: Rooted in emotions, social norms, and personal experiences.
  Example: Feeling uneasy in a public situation without knowing why.

• Moral Reasoning: Grounded in logic, ethical frameworks, and conscious evaluation.
  Example: Refusing to invest in a firm after studying its poor human rights record.
  

3. Accuracy

• Moral Intuition: Effective in familiar or straightforward situations but prone to bias.
  Example: Comforting a crying stranger instinctively.

• Moral Reasoning: Enables deeper, comprehensive analysis of complex moral dilemmas.
  Example: Weighing multiple perspectives before forming an opinion on a political issue.
  

4. Subjectivity

• Moral Intuition: Highly subjective, shaped by individual biases and experiences.
  Example: Believing lying is wrong due to personal upbringing.

• Moral Reasoning: Strives for objectivity by assessing broader implications.
  Example: Evaluating the ethical and social impact of whistleblowing.
  

5. Applicability

• Moral Intuition: Useful for quick action in urgent or uncertain contexts.
  Example: Intervening to stop a public fight.

• Moral Reasoning: Crucial for policy-making, governance, and morally ambiguous issues.
  Example: Reviewing organizational policies for inclusivity and fairness.
  

Illustrative Examples

• Moral Intuition: Mother Teresa’s immediate, compassionate response to suffering in Calcutta led her to establish the Missionaries of Charity. Her instinctive empathy guided her actions without elaborate reasoning.
  

Moral Reasoning: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s advocacy for Dalit rights and his role in drafting the Indian Constitution reflected deep reasoning. He analyzed historical injustices, social inequalities, and devised a legal framework to ensure social justice.

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