Ethical Meaning
Ethical Definition & Usage
Relating to moral principles or the branch of philosophy that deals with ethics.
Examples
- "Her decision to refuse the bribe was entirely ethical, as she chose to uphold integrity over financial gain."
- "The ethical implications of artificial intelligence are becoming a central concern in technology development."
- "He felt it was not ethical to profit from the misfortune of others, even if it was legal."
- "The company’s ethical stance on environmental protection led them to invest in sustainable practices."
- "It is not ethical to spread rumors that harm people's reputations without verifying the facts."
Relating to professional conduct that adheres to a set of accepted moral principles or standards.
Examples
- "Doctors are expected to maintain ethical standards in their patient care, prioritizing health over profit."
- "As a journalist, it is ethical to provide accurate reporting without bias or manipulation."
- "The lawyer emphasized that his actions were ethical and followed the law to the letter."
- "In the field of accounting, ethical conduct is essential to maintaining the trust of clients and the public."
- "Her ethical approach to teaching inspired her students to value honesty and responsibility."
Cultural Context
The concept of ethics originates from ancient Greek philosophy, particularly from the work of Aristotle, who proposed that living a virtuous life in accordance with moral principles leads to happiness. Over time, the concept expanded into various fields like law, medicine, business, and technology, each developing its own set of ethical standards.
The Ethical Dilemma of Dr. Evelyn Hart
Story
The Ethical Dilemma of Dr. Evelyn Hart
Dr. Evelyn Hart stood in the quiet room, the soft hum of machines in the background as she studied the test results. The patient, a young woman in her early twenties, had come in for a routine checkup, but the scans revealed a serious health issue that required immediate attention. The dilemma, however, was not the condition itself but the proposed treatment. Dr. Hart’s colleague, Dr. Kline, had suggested a new experimental drug that could potentially save the patient’s life, but it had not yet been approved by the medical board. Dr. Hart knew the ethical risks. While the drug showed promising results in small trials, it was still unapproved for public use. Using it without proper authorization could cause the hospital to lose its medical license, not to mention the legal implications. But if she waited for approval, the patient's condition might worsen beyond repair. Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. It was Mrs. Nguyen, the patient’s mother. Her worried face peered in, her voice barely a whisper. 'Doctor, is my daughter going to be alright? The test results... they didn't look good.' Evelyn sighed, glancing once more at the paperwork in her hands. The ethical choice was clear, but the emotional weight was immense. She could risk everything to save the young woman’s life, or follow the rules and hope for a more conventional treatment path, one with lower risks but also a lower chance of success. In the end, Evelyn made the decision. She would speak with the patient and her family, explaining both the risks and the potential benefits of the new treatment. It was an ethical decision, based on her commitment to do no harm, but also to ensure that the patient had all the information needed to make an informed choice. The journey was not over. The medical board would likely be involved, and there would be questions, but in Evelyn's heart, she knew she had made the right ethical choice for the patient. As she closed the door behind her, Evelyn felt the weight of her decision, but she also felt the relief of knowing that, in the world of medicine, sometimes the ethical path is the one that challenges the boundaries of convention.
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