Final answer:
The independence condition of moral agency describes the capacity to make choices without being under another's control, a crucial aspect for moral responsibility as indicated by compatibilists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The independence condition of moral agency refers to the ability to make one's own choices without being under another's control. This encompasses the capacity to rationally deliberate on one's choices and to personally assess one's values without external coercion. The condition affirms the notion that to be a moral agent, one must have the freedom to make decisions based on independent judgment, highlighting a core aspect of compatibilism. Compatibilists argue that the essence of moral responsibility is rooted in this kind of freedom of choice or deliberation. It is key to recognize that acting from one's own independent will is crucial for moral agency because it allows individuals to be accountable for their actions. This concept is contrasted with deterministic views where every action is believed to be causally determined by its antecedents, which can undermine the idea of moral responsibility.