Which of the following is a characteristic of moral norms that requires they take priority in justification?

• A. Universality
• B. Impartiality
• C. Reasonableness
• D. Normative dominance

Answer: (D)

Normative dominance means moral norms have binding force that overrides other kinds of reasons in justification. This is why they take priority when we justify actions—moral reasons must be given and must outweigh nonmoral considerations like convenience, legality, or personal interest. In ethical reasoning, we weigh reasons, and the moral reasons anchored in norms such as autonomy or beneficence should outrank nonmoral factors. The other features describe important aspects of moral norms—universality that they apply to all, impartiality that they are applied without bias, and reasonableness that they are justifiable through rational reflection—but they do not by themselves specify that moral considerations must dominate the justification process.