Moral luck occurrs when a person is treated with blame or praise for an action, the outcome of which depended upon factors that were unable to be controled; yet made a moral difference in judgement. An example of moral luck in my life could be recieving praise for playing soccer, when many members of my family display athleticism and it is probably a product of genetics.
I don't believe it to be a ethical issue or that it should influence our moral judgement of others or ourselves. The fact that some uncontrollable factor of luck or fate made the outcome of an action more or less possible dosn't affect the good or bad intentions behind that action. External factors influencing an action are meaningless when one is assessed by the good or bad will behind it. If someone were to render aid to a choking person by administering the heimlich maneuver and in saving that person's life broke some ribs; we shouldn't morally assess that person for breaking that persons ribs but for saving life. If someone is born with a talent, it's still in their power to utilize and nurture it out of self-perfection or abandon it, those who are good at what they do are worthy of praise.
I agree that athleticism is an example of moral luck. However it can be impacted by practicing or training to improve that talent. A lot of times hard work beats talent. I think you should have gone into more detail with your example of moral luck.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous comment. It is extremely possible that someone who had an extraordinary talent for soccer will never play and therefore never develop the talent. However someone with little genetic talent may practice their whole life and develop immense talent. Your point about the Heimlich maneuver is a good one, I am a believer in a persons intentions being considered in any judgment.
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