ethical necessity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ethical necessity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or decisions that are required based on moral principles or ethical standards. Example: "In today's society, addressing climate change is not just a choice but an ethical necessity for the well-being of future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It is an ethical necessity.

The New Yorker

(How did she feel about obstinate dogs?) But there was no ethical necessity to do so.

The New York Times - Magazine

Your partner aptly notes the practical reason for compliance, but he is wrong to elevate it to an ethical necessity.

The New York Times - Magazine

That many people recognise the ethical necessity of animal experimentation counted for naught; emotion trumps reason when moral dilemmas get personal.

The Economist

If your friend does decide to pay part of the repair costs -- her actions did do damage, after all -- she'll be acting out of admirable generosity, not ethical necessity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Given the fact that the doctor buys noth-ing, the fact that the detailer sells nothing to the doctor, and the fact that any "nonbinding commitment" by the doctor must, of ethical necessity, be of secondary importance, there is nothing about the detailer's visit with the doctor that makes the visit (or what occurs during the visit) "tantamount... to a paradigmatic sale". Ibid.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Although it might seem burdensome to comply with these ethical necessities, they can assist in the organization of a well-run clinical trial, if considered at the onset of a study, while also protecting the valuable human subjects who volunteer for these trials.

The Journal of Hand Surgery

"It began my thinking about the ethical and moral necessity to be efficient with natural resources," he says.

The Guardian

Is racial equality in universities seen as a fundamental business, ethical and moral necessity – or just as a nice-to-have?

The Guardian

I think it was really a debate between some people, on the one hand, saying, "The gaming industry doesn't reflect the complex diversity of society and it needs to innovate quickly as a matter of ethical and artistic necessity" and other people, on the other hand, saying, "I'm going to kill you".

The Guardian

The perception held in position four was that HIV should be regarded as any normal medical infection, whose diagnosis and disclosure should be based on medical as opposed to ethical or legal necessities.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ethical necessity", ensure the context clearly establishes the ethical framework or principles that make the action or decision necessary. Provide specific reasons to support the claim that something is an "ethical necessity".

Common error

Avoid using "ethical necessity" to describe preferences or desires. Reserve it for situations where a genuine ethical framework dictates a specific course of action, rather than simply reflecting a desirable outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ethical necessity" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'ethical' modifies the noun 'necessity'. It highlights that a particular course of action is not merely preferred or convenient but is dictated by ethical considerations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ethical necessity" is a phrase used to describe actions or decisions demanded by moral principles, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific publications. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is correct and can be replaced by similar options like "moral imperative" or "ethical obligation". When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial to underscore that the action is morally obligatory, not merely preferred. Common pitfalls include overstating the significance, so it's best reserved for genuine ethical mandates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral imperative

Emphasizes the compelling nature of the ethical obligation.

moral obligation

Highlights a duty based on moral principles.

ethical obligation

Highlights a duty based on ethical principles.

moral requirement

Focuses on the necessary aspect from a moral standpoint.

ethical imperative

Emphasizes the urgent, unavoidable nature of the ethical demand.

duty of conscience

Highlights the personal conviction driving the ethical action.

dictate of ethics

Focuses on what ethical principles prescribe.

ethical duty

Focuses on a responsibility derived from ethics.

moral compulsion

Highlights the feeling of being forced by one's moral beliefs.

unavoidable ethical consideration

Emphasizes that the ethical aspect cannot be ignored.

FAQs

What does "ethical necessity" mean?

The phrase "ethical necessity" refers to an action or decision that is required or unavoidable based on moral principles or ethical standards. It suggests that failing to act in a certain way would violate those principles.

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

You can use "ethical necessity" to describe situations where a particular action is not just desirable, but morally required. For example: "Providing aid to those affected by the disaster was an "ethical necessity".

What are some alternatives to "ethical necessity"?

Some alternatives include "moral imperative", "moral obligation", or "ethical imperative". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "ethical necessity" and "moral necessity"?

While similar, "ethical necessity" often refers to obligations based on a defined code of conduct or set of principles, while "moral necessity" is broader, encompassing duties based on personal values or a general sense of right and wrong.