Ethical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
ethical
[หษฮธษชkษl ]
Definitions
business
Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ethical |
Used when referring to principles of right and wrong behavior, especially in professional or academic settings.
|
| moral |
Often used to describe personal principles regarding right and wrong, typically in a more individual or societal context than โethicalโ.
|
| righteous |
Used to describe someone who is morally right or justifiable, often with a suggestion of being a bit judgmental or superior.
|
| virtuous |
Describes someone who has high moral standards and is often used to highlight someone's goodness or purity.
|
Examples of usage
- An ethical business practices honesty and integrity in all its dealings.
- Companies are increasingly pressured to demonstrate ethical behavior towards their employees and the environment.
medical
Conforming to accepted professional standards of conduct.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ethical |
Used when referring to principles of right and wrong in a professional or academic context.
|
| moral |
Relates to principles of right and wrong behavior, often tied to personal or societal codes.
|
| upright |
Describes someone who is honest and upholds strong moral principles, often emphasizing personal integrity.
|
| honorable |
Describes someone who acts with integrity and fairness, often associated with respect and admiration.
|
Examples of usage
- The doctor's ethical duty is to always prioritize the well-being of the patient.
- It is unethical for medical professionals to disclose confidential patient information.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Ethical theories help determine what is right, including utilitarianism, which focuses on the greatest good for the most people.
- Deontological ethics emphasize rules and duties, regardless of consequences, meaning some actions are morally right or wrong no matter what happens.
- Virtue ethics highlights character and virtues in decision-making, focusing on what kind of person we should be.
Pop Culture
- In literature and films, characters often face ethical dilemmas that challenge their morals and personal beliefs.
- The popular TV series 'The Good Place' revolves around ethical philosophy, exploring what it means to be a good person.
- Many superhero films include ethical questions about justice, power, and responsibility.
Science
- Ethics in science involves the responsibility of researchers to conduct experiments that do not harm participants or the environment.
- The field of bioethics deals with issues in medicine and biology, ensuring respect for human rights in healthcare.
- Research ethics guidelines support integrity in conducting research and sharing findings honestly.
Business
- Many companies create codes of ethics to guide their employees in decision-making aligned with moral values.
- Corporate social responsibility emphasizes ethical practices by businesses to positively contribute to society.
- Consumer awareness has led to an increase in ethical branding, where companies highlight their commitment to sustainable and responsible practices.
Origin of 'ethical'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ethical' comes from the Greek word 'ethos,' which means 'character' or 'custom.'
- It started being used in the English language around the 15th century, linking morals and behaviors.
- The root 'ethos' was used by ancient philosophers to discuss what makes a good life.
The word 'ethical' originated from the Greek word 'ethikos', which means 'moral' or 'pertaining to character'. The concept of ethics has been a fundamental aspect of philosophy since ancient times, with philosophers such as Aristotle and Kant exploring the principles of ethical behavior. Today, the term 'ethical' is widely used in various fields to emphasize the importance of moral values and integrity in decision-making.