What does moral commitment involve?

Moral commitment fundamentally refers to the intrinsic motivation to uphold ethical principles and act in accordance with one's values, regardless of external factors like supervision or social validation. When someone demonstrates moral commitment, they are guided by their personal sense of right and wrong and make choices that reflect those beliefs.

This commitment means that an individual consistently strives to do the right thing, regardless of whether others are observing their actions. It is rooted in personal integrity and ethical responsibility, suggesting that one's moral principles are adhered to even in private contexts where there might be no repercussion for unethical behavior.

The other choices describe motivations that do not align with true moral commitment. Acting ethically only when others are watching suggests a conditional approach to ethics, while following laws at all times may not encompass moral considerations, as some laws may not align with individual ethical beliefs. Seeking approval from peers indicates a reliance on social validation rather than a commitment to personal moral standards. Thus, the essence of moral commitment lies in the pursuit of doing what is right based on one's own values, irrespective of external influences.