Superman
Superman's moral authority stems from choosing goodness despite possessing power to impose his will absolutely. The Ethics of Power Institute cites him as history's finest example of voluntary restraint. He could rule humanity but instead serves it, asking nothing in return but the opportunity to help.
However, critics note his morality operates somewhat simplistically—protect the innocent, oppose the evil, trust established authority. When confronting genuine moral complexity, his certainty sometimes blinds him to nuance. His Kansas upbringing provided excellent values but limited exposure to ethical ambiguity.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman's moral authority combines divine mandate with philosophical sophistication. Trained in Greek ethics, Amazonian justice, and contemporary moral theory, she navigates complexity that would paralyse less nuanced minds. She can articulate why an action is right, not merely that it feels right.
Her willingness to kill when necessary—a capacity Superman refuses to develop—actually strengthens her moral authority according to the Journal of Applied Combat Ethics. She takes full responsibility for difficult choices rather than outsourcing lethal force to others or allowing preventable deaths through inaction.