ethical debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethical debate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing issues that involve moral principles and the arguments surrounding them. Example: "The ethical debate surrounding genetic engineering raises important questions about the implications for society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Adventure and ethical debate are melded in one sexy package.

The New York Times - Magazine

The defense tactics sparked an ethical debate.

The New York Times

The vast issue of planetary protection must, more than ever, spark ethical debate.

Advances in Space Research

There has never been an ethical debate about it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the research also stimulated heated ethical debate.

The New York Times

Health behaviors are significantly understudied in transplant patients, contributing to significant ethical debate among transplant professionals.

Transplantation Reviews

Research on health websites raises ethical debate about the quality of information on the Websites.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

The ethical debate over mandatory healthcare worker (HCW) influenza vaccination is a heated one.

Vaccine

Until April, the ethical debate over the uses of CRISPR technology in humans was largely theoretical.

The New Yorker

PGD has been at the centre of ethical debate since its inception.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the African setting doesn't simply give new edge to the ethical debate about political murder.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Structure your writing to present different sides of the "ethical debate" fairly and objectively.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "ethical debate" as a simple right-versus-wrong scenario. Acknowledge the nuances, complexities, and valid arguments on all sides of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical debate" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify and categorize a specific type of discussion or argument centered on moral and ethical principles. As Ludwig shows, it's commonly used to describe discussions surrounding complex issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ethical debate" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe discussions concerning moral principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently employed across various reputable sources, including News & Media and Science publications. While alternatives such as "moral discussion" and "ethical discourse" exist, "ethical debate" specifically emphasizes the argumentative aspect of such discussions. When using this phrase, writers should aim for nuanced presentations of ethical issues, avoiding oversimplification. The consistent usage and strong source authority contribute to a high expert rating, solidifying its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

debate on ethics

A more direct rephrasing, simply inverting the order of the words.

moral discussion

Focuses on the moral aspect of the discussion, rather than explicitly framing it as a debate.

ethical discourse

Emphasizes a more formal and structured discussion about ethical issues.

ethical dilemma

Focuses on the difficult choice between two or more ethical options.

ethical quandary

Similar to "moral quandary", but emphasizes the ethical dimension.

moral quandary

Highlights the perplexing and difficult nature of the ethical issue being discussed.

moral controversy

Emphasizes the contentious and divisive nature of the ethical issue.

moral dispute

Highlights the disagreement and conflict surrounding the moral issue.

philosophical argument

Highlights the theoretical and reasoned nature of the ethical discussion.

values clash

Focuses on the conflict between different values and belief systems.

FAQs

How can I use "ethical debate" in a sentence?

You can use "ethical debate" to refer to a discussion about moral principles. For instance, "The use of AI in healthcare sparked an "ethical debate".

What are some alternatives to "ethical debate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "moral discussion", "ethical discourse", or "moral controversy".

What is the difference between "ethical debate" and "moral dilemma"?

"Ethical debate" refers to a discussion or argument about ethical issues, whereas "ethical dilemma" refers to a situation where there is a difficult choice between two or more ethical options.

Why is it important to have an "ethical debate"?

An "ethical debate" allows for different perspectives to be heard and considered, leading to a more informed and balanced understanding of complex moral issues.