Applied Ethics Glossary

The branch of philosophy that applies ethical theories and principles to specific real-world moral problems.

The right and capacity of individuals to make informed, uncoerced decisions about their own lives.

The moral obligation to act in ways that promote the well-being and welfare of others.

The study of ethical issues arising from advances in medicine, healthcare, and the biological sciences.

Kant's principle that one should act only according to maxims that could be willed as universal laws.

An ethical theory that judges the morality of actions based solely on their outcomes or consequences.

The obligation of businesses to consider the social and environmental impact of their decisions beyond profit.

An ethical framework that evaluates actions based on adherence to rules, duties, or obligations rather than consequences.

The fair allocation of benefits and burdens among members of a society.

The study of the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment.

The deliberate ending of a person's life to relieve suffering, classified as voluntary, involuntary, active, or passive.

John Stuart Mill's principle that the only legitimate reason to restrict individual liberty is to prevent harm to others.

The process by which individuals are given sufficient information to make a voluntary decision about medical treatment or research participation.

The value something has in itself, independent of its usefulness or instrumental value to others.

A conflict between competing moral obligations where fulfilling one duty requires violating another.

The view that multiple ethical frameworks each capture genuine moral truths and may need to be balanced.

The position that moral judgments are not universally valid but are relative to cultural or individual perspectives.

The standing of an entity as deserving moral consideration, often grounded in sentience, rationality, or inherent worth.

The principle of 'do no harm,' requiring that actions avoid causing unnecessary injury or suffering.

The principle that when an action threatens serious harm, precautionary measures should be taken even without full scientific certainty.

The view that organizations should serve the interests of all parties affected by their actions, not just shareholders.

A consequentialist theory holding that the right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number.

Rawls's thought experiment in which principles of justice are chosen without knowledge of one's own social position or characteristics.

An ethical approach focused on developing good character traits rather than following rules or maximizing outcomes.

The act of reporting unethical or illegal organizational practices to internal authorities or the public.