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Question

Differentiate 'moral intuition' from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2023 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (28-May-2023)

'Moral intuition' and 'moral reasoning' are distinct yet often intertwined processes in ethical decision-making. 'Moral intuition' is an immediate, often gut-level feeling or judgment about whether something is right or wrong, without conscious deliberation. It's an automatic, rapid response, often based on ingrained values, emotions, or past experiences. For example, instinctively feeling that pushing someone onto train tracks to save five others is wrong, even before rationally analyzing the utilitarian outcome, demonstrates moral intuition. It's a quick, almost visceral "I know it's wrong."

'Moral reasoning', conversely, is a conscious, systematic, and logical process of evaluating an ethical dilemma. It involves applying principles, rules, and logical analysis to arrive at a justified moral conclusion. This often includes weighing consequences, considering duties, and assessing virtues. Using the same example, moral reasoning would involve deliberately analyzing the utilitarian calculus (saving five lives versus sacrificing one), or considering the deontological principle that directly causing harm is inherently wrong, leading to a reasoned conclusion. While intuition provides the initial 'feeling', reasoning provides the 'why'.

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