The Concept of Moral Community

The concept of moral community refers to the group of beings considered worthy of moral consideration and ethical treatment. It defines who or what is included when making moral decisions, often based on qualities like consciousness, reasoning, or the capacity to feel. For example, humans are generally seen as part of the moral community because of their advanced mental abilities, but debates exist about whether animals, artificial intelligence, or future generations should also be included. Recognizing someone as part of the moral community influences how we treat and care for them, guiding our sense of moral responsibility.