How is "moral intuition" best defined?

Moral intuition refers to the immediate, instinctive feelings or beliefs that guide an individual’s perception of right and wrong without the need for explicit reasoning or conscious deliberation. It encompasses the innate sense that people often experience when faced with ethical dilemmas, allowing them to quickly gauge the morality of a situation based on their personal feelings or experiences. This concept suggests that individuals possess an internal moral compass shaped by personal beliefs, emotions, and subconscious understanding rather than by systematic logic or external societal dictates.

While learned ethical theories and calculated decision-making processes are important aspects of moral reasoning, they are not the essence of moral intuition. Instead, these processes involve careful thought and application of ethical principles, which contrast with the more immediate and emotional nature of intuition. Similarly, societal norms can influence one's moral beliefs, but moral intuition is more about personal instinct than a reflection of collective standards. Thus, the essence of moral intuition lies in its instinctive quality, making it vital in understanding how people navigate ethical landscapes.