an ethics of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ethics of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a system of values or principles that guide moral decisions. For example, you could say "The organization is committed to an ethics of integrity and fairness in all matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Since the between-two is premised on being-two (self-differentiated), it is in the cultivation of this sexual difference that we will find the possibility of an ethical sexual relation, what Irigaray calls an ethics of sexual difference.

SEP

Jacques Derrida pointed out in 1967 that "Levinas does not want to propose laws or moral rules…it is a matter of [writing] an ethics of ethics".[3] An ethics of ethics means, here, the exploration of conditions of possibility of any interest in good actions or lives.

SEP

Ahimsa (nonviolence) also is glorified, as an ethics of detachment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Evidently, empathy might not be the most appropriate ground for an ethics of vegetal life.

The New York Times

Recognizing our common vulnerability, our inevitable victimization by fate, should lead us to an ethics of empathy and love.

The New York Times - Books

As Terry Eagleton argues, Marx's notion of "species-being" implies an ethics of self-realisation or flourishing through social interaction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here's one principle for reaching that goal: an ethics of citizenship should itself reflect the diversity of the citizenship.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a footnote, we note that there is also an "ethics of journalism" issue which concerns the American media.

The Guardian

But in a world that lacks an ethics of death, as ours does, we live estranged from this deeper knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

SUSAN SONTAG once called photography an ethics of seeing, a larcenous, prevaricating medium that almost by accident yielded up truths it didn't mean to tell.

The New York Times - Arts

Some researchers rejected Ms. Gilligan's claim that women were more likely to consider their obligations to others (what she called an ethics of "care") in making moral decisions, while men were more likely to rely on abstract principles of fairness (what she called an ethics of "justice").

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ethics of" to introduce a specific area or type of ethical consideration, for example, "an ethics of care" or "an ethics of responsibility".

Common error

Avoid using "an ethics of" when you mean personal morals or individual beliefs. "An ethics of" refers to a defined system of moral principles, not just individual opinions. For example, instead of saying "an ethics of honesty is important", specify the context with something like "an ethics of journalism requires fact-checking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ethics of" serves as a noun phrase functioning as a determiner and qualifier. It introduces a specific type or area within the broader field of ethics. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its common usage in academic and philosophical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ethics of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces specific ethical frameworks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly appears in academic, scientific, and news contexts. When writing, remember to use "an ethics of" to define a particular type of ethical consideration, and avoid confusing it with personal morals. Alternatives such as "a moral code" or "an ethical framework" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Overall, understanding the proper usage ensures clear and precise communication about complex ethical topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ethical framework

A more concise way of referring to an overarching ethical structure.

a moral code

Focuses on a specific set of principles, rather than the broader system.

a set of values

Highlights the core beliefs that underpin ethical considerations.

a system of principles

Emphasizes the structured nature of the ethical framework.

ethical guidelines

Suggests a more practical and specific set of rules.

a value system

Similar to a set of values, but implies a more comprehensive and integrated approach.

moral philosophy

Refers to the theoretical study of morality, rather than its practical application.

a principled approach

Highlights the consistency and adherence to ethical principles.

moral compass

A metaphor for the internal guide that helps individuals make ethical decisions.

a theory of ethics

Focuses on the theoretical underpinnings of ethical thought.

FAQs

How can I use "an ethics of" in a sentence?

Use "an ethics of" to introduce a particular branch or focus within the broader field of ethics. For example, "The discussion centered on "an ethics of care"" or "An ethics of belief addresses the moral obligations related to forming beliefs".

What's the difference between "an ethics of" and "morality"?

"Morality" refers to personal principles of right and wrong, while "an ethics of" refers to a structured and often codified system of moral principles within a specific context. For example, you can have personal morality about relationships, while "an ethics of journalism" is a well-defined system.

What can I say instead of "an ethics of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a moral code", "a set of values", or "an ethical framework". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the ethics of" instead of "an ethics of"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The ethics of" usually refers to a general or widely accepted set of principles, while "an ethics of" often introduces a specific or alternative ethical framework, like "an ethics of virtue".