applied ethics
Real-world moral philosophy
Applied ethics is the branch of ethics that addresses specific moral problems in real-world contexts—medicine, business, technology, law, the environment.
Where theoretical ethics asks abstract questions about right and wrong, applied ethics asks what to do in particular situations: Is it ethical to edit human genes?
Should companies be required to disclose data breaches?
The field emerged as a distinct discipline in the twentieth century, though humans have always reasoned about practical moral dilemmas.
Study of fundamental truths
- moral philosophyStudy of right conduct
- deontologyMorality based on obligations
- utilitarianismGreatest-happiness moral theory
- casuistryApplying principles to particulars
Independent decision-making capacity
- beneficenceActive desire to help
- justiceFair treatment under law
- informed consentPermission given with understanding
- confidentialityQuality of protecting secrets
integrity · accountability · transparency · fairness · dignity · rights · duty · harm prevention
Difficult choices between alternatives
- moral judgmentAssessment of right/wrong
- professional conductProper workplace behavior standards
- codes of conductFormal behavioral standards
- whistleblowingExposing hidden wrongdoing internally
conflict of interest · policy development · compliance · consultation · guidelines · best practices
philosophy
Study of fundamental truths
- moral philosophyStudy of right conduct
- deontologyMorality based on obligations
- utilitarianismGreatest-happiness moral theory
casuistry · case studies · moral reasoning · interdisciplinary
autonomy
Independent decision-making capacity
- beneficenceActive desire to help
- justiceFair treatment under law
- informed consentPermission given with understanding
confidentiality · integrity · accountability · transparency · fairness · dignity · rights · duty · harm prevention · truth-telling
dilemmas
Difficult choices between alternatives
- moral judgmentAssessment of right/wrong
- professional conductProper workplace behavior standards
- codes of conductFormal behavioral standards
whistleblowing · conflict of interest · policy development · compliance · consultation · guidelines · best practices
academic integrity
Ethical standards in education
apply, ethics, ethical, application, applied, applying, unethical, applicant, applies