Reflexive Morality and Moral Consciousness

The current article examines the use of the concepts ‘reflective morality’, ‘morality’, and ‘moral consciousness’ within the framework of ethical science. A conventional solution is being sought regarding the use of the term ‘moral consciousness’. The relation between moral consciousness and the following concepts is clarified: ‘reflective morality’, ‘moral action’, ‘moral behavior’, ‘moral emotions’, ‘awareness of moral action’, ‘subject of moral consciousness’, ‘internalization’, and ‘externalization of moral norms’. The article aims to achieve consensus within the scientific community on the correct academic use of these terms. Another objective is to attain clarity and unambiguity in ethical literature by clarifying certain fundamental concepts.