Can groups of people be considered moral agents?

Yes, a group of several individuals can be considered a moral agent. When a group of people (for example, a society or a football team) act collectively as a group, the group itself can be considered to have moral agency. The idea is called collective or shared responsibility, which means that a person as a part of group can be held morally accountable for the actions of that group, even without having actively participated in the action. If a person is a member of a group, they are thought to share the collective will (or intention) of the group. This idea is often used when speaking of the collective responsibility of corporations, gangs, or families.

Some philosophers to consider on this topic are Hannah Arendt and Larry May.

Related Philosophy and Ethics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why Christians might provide a religious upbringing for their children.


Explain the tripartite view of knowledge and Gettier’s response


What is Agnosticism?


Describe Wittgenstein's picture theory of language


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy