The Relation between Moral Responsibility and Moral Luck

Abstract

This article is an overview of the relationship between moral responsibility and moral luck, two concepts in moral philosophy. Moral responsibility refers to an individual’s accountability for their actions, while moral luck highlights how factors beyond one’s control can influence moral judgments. The paradox of moral luck challenges the traditional understanding of moral responsibility, leading to significant philosophical debates. By examining various perspectives, including those of Aristotle, Kant, and contemporary philosophers like Bernard Williams and Thomas Nagel, the paper analyzes how moral luck complicates notions of justice and fairness in moral evaluation. Ultimately, the article proposes a reevaluation or replacement of these concepts to better align with real-world complexities.