Definition
Moral Agency is the capacity of an individual to make ethical decisions and be held accountable for their actions.
Why It Matters
It ensures that human systems remain anchored in values and responsibility, rather than cold mathematical optimization.
Core Concepts
- The Path of Least Resistance: If a system allows for “exploits” (e.g., turning off the computer before paying for a sword), players will use them. This is a failure of system design, not player character.
- Story Indifference: Without an active and personal antagonist, players have no emotional reason to care about the “moral” path.
- Incentive Realignment: To encourage moral agency, the system must measure and reward behavior (e.g., sparing a non-hostile creature) and penalize “efficient” but evil actions (e.g., killing villagers for gold).
- Silent Behavioral Tracking: Measuring player actions without explicit “moral meters” visible to the player prevents them from “min-maxing” the virtue system itself.