ethical balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethical balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to find a fair and just equilibrium between competing ethical considerations or values. Example: "In our decision-making process, we must strive to achieve an ethical balance between profit and social responsibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

For now, genetic genealogists are striking their own ethical balance.

The New York Times

Whereas in other contexts it has been argued by the press, or sections of the press, that there is a public interest in freedom of speech itself, and that an editor should be permitted to decide where the ethical balance falls, no such argument has been aired in this particular context.

The Guardian

They portray former members of the Weather Underground, which plotted to blow up buildings in United States cities. Lem Dobbs's clunky screenplay, adapted from Neil Gordon's novel, maintains a scrupulously ethical balance in contemplating domestic terrorism, and the film gives the angriest of these left-wing radicals their say.

The New York Times

The council said the investment was a "difficult ethical balance".

BBC

"We've got to make sure that the fund is preserved and people can generate their pensions for a lifetime, so it's a very difficult ethical balance".

BBC

Prof Norman Williams, the president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: "This is yet another example of life-changing surgical advancements that are now possible". "As with all procedures that improve the quality of life rather than save it, there is an ethical balance to be struck - especially as the lifelong anti-rejection medication that the patient would need to take carries its own risks.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Prince has done some careful ethical balancing to square his old lascivious self with his openly devout one, and on "3121" he shows his sense of humor about it.

The New York Times

He contends that Medi-Cal officials would be forced into a new and significant ethical dilemma, balancing their responsibility to control costs and ration care with ensuring that patients receive the most effective medical treatment possible.

Los Angeles Times

Clearly, there is a need for NGOs to balance ethical intervention with consistent funding.

The Guardian

These managers still lack solutions for the basic problem of how to balance ethical demands and economic realities when they do in fact conflict.

Harvard Business Review

Reviewing the picture in The New York Times, A. O. Scott called Mr. Shindo "a distinctive and protean visual storyteller" whose films "balance ethical seriousness with an almost voluptuous appetite for natural beauty and pictorial elegance".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex situations, use "ethical balance" to show you're considering different moral perspectives, not just picking one side.

Common error

Don't assume that achieving an "ethical balance" means simply splitting the difference between two options. It requires careful consideration of values, potential impacts, and principles to ensure a morally sound outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical balance" functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe the need for a fair and just equilibrium between competing moral considerations. As Ludwig AI shows, it highlights a decision-making process that values different perspectives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethical balance" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the process of finding a fair and just equilibrium between competing moral considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in various contexts, including news media and scientific publications, suggesting its broad applicability. Achieving an "ethical balance" involves carefully considering different ethical viewpoints to arrive at a morally sound and fair decision. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid the error of confusing it with a simple compromise, as it requires a deep understanding of values and principles. Considering the "ethical balance" in decision-making can promote fairness and prevent biased outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral equilibrium

Emphasizes the state of moral stability and fairness.

ethical equilibrium

Highlights a balanced state in ethical considerations.

just balance

Focuses on fairness and impartiality in a situation.

fair equilibrium

Highlights the impartiality of equilibrium.

moral high ground

Suggests a position of superior ethical standing.

ethical considerations

Broader term relating to moral decision making.

moral compass

Refers to an internal guide for ethical behavior.

ethical decision-making

Highlights the decision making process under an ethical lens.

principle of fairness

Emphasizes the importance of fairness and impartiality.

sense of justice

Relates to one's perception and adherence to just behavior.

FAQs

How to use "ethical balance" in a sentence?

You can use "ethical balance" to describe the process of finding a fair and just equilibrium between competing ethical considerations or values. For example: "The company strives to achieve an "ethical balance" between profit and social responsibility."

What does achieving an "ethical balance" mean?

Achieving an "ethical balance" means carefully considering different moral perspectives and values to arrive at a morally sound and fair decision or outcome. It's more than just a compromise; it's about upholding principles.

What can I say instead of "ethical balance"?

You can use alternatives like "moral equilibrium", "just balance", or "ethical equilibrium" depending on the specific context.

Why is it important to consider the "ethical balance" in decision-making?

Considering the "ethical balance" ensures that decisions are made with fairness, integrity, and a comprehensive understanding of potential moral implications. It helps to prevent biased or unjust outcomes.