What is moral licensing?

Moral licensing occurs when people perform a good deed and then feel entitled to behave unethically later. They use past virtue to justify future vice.

Why does moral licensing happen?

People maintain positive self-image by using good actions to offset bad ones. Awareness of good deeds psychologically licenses subsequent selfish or harmful behavior.

Is moral licensing universal?

Research shows it's common, especially in individualist cultures. It's weaker in people with strong internalized values and higher moral development.

How can we avoid moral licensing?

Track cumulative behavior, not individual acts. Align actions with values consistently rather than seeking moral offset. Genuine good alignment resists licensing.