Moral high ground

Moral high ground

The moral high ground, in ethical or political parlance, refers to the status of being respected for remaining moral, and adhering to and upholding a universally recognized standard of justice or goodness

"Parties seeking the moral high ground simply refuse to act in ways which are not viewed as legitimate and morally defensible by the larger the [sic] society."[1]
"In What Price the Moral High Ground?, economist and social critic Robert H. Frank challenges the notion that doing well is accomplished only at the expense of doing good. Frank explores exciting new work in economics, psychology, and biology to argue that honest individuals often succeed, even in highly competitive environments, because their commitment to principle makes them more attractive as trading partners."[2]

Holding the moral high ground can be used to legitimize political movements, notably nonviolent resistance, especially in the face of violent opposition, has been used by civil disobedience movements around the world to garner sympathy and support from society.

References

  1. ^ Moral High Ground - International Online Training Program On Intractable Conflict - Conflict Research Consortium, University of Colorado, USA
  2. ^ What Price the Moral High Ground: Ethical Dilemmas in Competitive Environments - Robert H. Frank, ISBN 0-691-00672-5

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  • take the moral high ground — take, claim, seize, etc. the moral ˈhigh ground idiom to claim that your side of an argument is morally better than your opponents side; to argue in a way that makes your side seem morally better Main entry: ↑moralidiom …   Useful english dictionary

  • claim the moral high ground — take, claim, seize, etc. the moral ˈhigh ground idiom to claim that your side of an argument is morally better than your opponents side; to argue in a way that makes your side seem morally better Main entry: ↑moralidiom …   Useful english dictionary

  • seize the moral high ground — take, claim, seize, etc. the moral ˈhigh ground idiom to claim that your side of an argument is morally better than your opponents side; to argue in a way that makes your side seem morally better Main entry: ↑moralidiom …   Useful english dictionary

  • High ground (disambiguation) — High ground is a spot of elevated terrain which can be useful in military tactics.High ground may also refer to:* Moral high ground, an ethical analogy * The High Ground, a veterans memorial park located west of Neillsville, Wisconsin * The High… …   Wikipedia

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  • high ground — 1) N SING: the N, oft the adj N If a person or organization has the high ground in an argument or dispute, that person or organization has an advantage. [JOURNALISM] The President must seek to regain the high ground in the political debate... How …   English dictionary

  • high ground — noun A position of advantage or superiority in a conflict or competition. The trail passes along on high ground say a thousand feet above sea level. See Also: moral high ground …   Wiktionary

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