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Moral Credential Bias
What Is Moral Credential Bias?
In Critical Thinking, Moral Credential Bias is believing previous good acts give licence to performing a bad act.
Easy Definition of Moral Credential Bias
Don't think it's okay to do something wrong because you normally do the right thing. Your decision to do the wrong thing would be tainted by Moral Credential Bias, if you did.
Academic Definition of Moral Credential Bias
Moral Credential Bias occurs when someone's history of making fair judgements gives rise to a sense of "free licence" in the future.
An Example of Moral Credential Bias
We are an equal-opportunities employer...sometimes

"In institutions that do not feel the sharp wind of public criticism, an innocent corruption grows up, like a mushroom."
(German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, 1844–1900)
This quotation captures the situation quite well. Knowing he wouldn't face public criticism (because of his previous recruitment practice), the manager felt he had licence to do what he wanted.
(German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, 1844–1900)
Another Example of Moral Credential Bias
I've paid enough tax, your majesty
I once overheard a driving instructor say to his pupil, "I just work cash in hand these days. I've paid enough tax over the years."This is a great example of Moral Credential Bias. Good practice in the past does give the green light for bad practice.
A Practical Application for Moral Credential Bias
Defend yourself and others

"If you rob a bank once, you'll go to jail. You won't be let off for the nine times you didn't rob a bank."
Summary of Moral Credential Bias
If you think somebody justifies doing something wrong on the grounds that they feel they've accumulated sufficient goodwill, tell them their decision is influenced by Moral Credential Bias.- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
- Do you know a bias or fallacy that we've missed?