<moral philosophy, philosophy of action> that which binds us to act in accordance with duty. Obligatory acts are those one is morally, legally, or contractually required to perform. Normative theories usually try to explain the grounds of moral obligation as well as its practical application. Recommended Reading: Michael J. Zimmerman, The Concept of Moral Obligation (Cambridge, 1996).
[A Dictionary of Philosophical Terms and Names]
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