You can do everything right and things can still go wrong. “Moral luck” is a way to live with that.
The concept of 'moral luck' suggests that our moral standing can be influenced by factors beyond our control. This idea can help alleviate the guilt parents feel when making decisions that could impact their children's well-being. It highlights the unpredictability of life and the importance of recognizing that not all outcomes are a reflection of one's choices.
- ▪The author discusses the anxiety parents face regarding their decisions and potential outcomes for their children.
- ▪Moral luck, a term coined by philosopher Bernard Williams, suggests that external factors can influence moral judgments.
- ▪The article emphasizes that not all negative outcomes are a result of poor choices, but rather can be due to chance.
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Future PerfectYou can do everything right and things can still go wrong. “Moral luck” is a way to live with that.This radical philosophical idea can free you from a lifetime of unnecessary guilt.by Sigal SamuelMay 24, 2026, 12:30 PM UTCShareGift Pete Gamlen for VoxSigal Samuel is a senior reporter for Vox’s Future Perfect. She writes primarily about the future of consciousness, tracking advances in artificial intelligence and neuroscience and their staggering ethical implications. Before joining Vox, Sigal was the religion editor at the Atlantic.Your Mileage May Vary is an advice column offering you a unique framework for thinking through your moral dilemmas.
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