What does 'moral judgment' refer to?

Moral judgment refers to the ability to evaluate and determine which actions are morally defensible, meaning they align with one's ethical beliefs and principles. This involves not only recognizing actions that may be legally permissible but also assessing their ethical implications and whether they adhere to moral standards. Making moral judgments requires critical thinking and introspection about values, obligations, and the consequences of actions on individuals and society.

While understanding ethical theories and how they have developed historically is important to form the foundation of moral reasoning, it doesn't directly define what moral judgment entails. Similarly, legal permissibility is focused on compliance with laws rather than the ethicality of actions, which is not the core of moral judgment. Lastly, making decisions based on majority opinion can lead to ethical dilemmas; it doesn’t necessarily align with a well-founded understanding of moral principles, as the majority may not always represent what is ethically just. Therefore, the focus on knowing which actions are morally defensible accurately captures the essence of moral judgment.