Moral, Political, and Workplace Biases

Moral licensing

Using past good behavior to excuse later poor behavior.

What Is Moral licensing?

Moral licensing is a thinking trap where using past good behavior to excuse later poor behavior.

How It Tricks You

It can turn partial social evidence into a confident judgment about people, motives, or groups.

Real-World Example

A person donates to charity and then excuses rude behavior.

Seen Online As

• I already did the good thing, so this small exception is fine.
• My past virtue is making this choice feel excusable.
• I am using a good act as permission for a sloppy one.

What To Ask Instead

Am I using virtue as permission?

Related Thinking Traps

• Anchoring bias
• Confirmation bias
• Framing effect
• Loss aversion

Common Situations

• Thinking Traps in Relationships
• Thinking Traps at Work
• Thinking Traps in Politics

Quick FAQ

What is Moral licensing?

Using past good behavior to excuse later poor behavior.

What is an example of Moral licensing?

A person donates to charity and then excuses rude behavior.

How do I spot Moral licensing?

Am I using virtue as permission?