ethics
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Old French ethique < Late Latin ethica < Ancient Greek ἠθική (ēthike) < ἠθικός (ēthikos), “‘of or for morals, moral, expressing character’”) < ἦθος (ēthos), “‘character, moral nature’”).
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
ethics (uncountable)
- (philosophy) The study of principles relating to right and wrong conduct.
- Morality.
- The standards that govern the conduct of a person, especially a member of a profession.
[edit] Usage notes
- Although the terms ethics and morality may sometimes be used interchangeably, philosophical ethicists often distinguish them, using ethics to refer to theories and conceptual studies relating to good and evil and right and wrong, and using morality and its related terms to refer to actual, real-world beliefs and practices concerning proper conduct. In this vein, the American philosopher Brand Blanshard wrote concerning his friend, the eminent British ethicist G. E. Moore: "We often discussed ethics, but seldom morals. . . . He was a master in ethical theory, but did not conceive himself as specially qualified to pass opinions on politics or social issues." [1]
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Derived terms
Terms derived from ethics
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
study of principles governing right and wrong conduct
standards of conduct
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- ethics in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- ethics in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
- ethics at OneLook® Dictionary Search
[edit] References
- Notes:
- ^ Paul Schilpp, ed., The Philosophy of Brand Blanshard, Library of Living Philosophers, ISBN 0875483496, "Autobiography", p. 85.
