180 Ethics Topics & Ethical Questions to Debate

Our code of ethics is derived from what we think is right or wrong. On top of that, we have to agree to the moral standards established by the society we live in. Conventional norms generally label theft, murder, or harassment as bad. However, there are many influences that impact our considerations and understanding of ethics.

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies moral issues. This article outlines the three different types of ethics and presents a list of compelling ethics topics for essays and research papers, as well as ethical questions to debate.

You don’t know how to write about ethics or which ethical argument topic to choose for your paper? Maybe your assignment deadline is dreadfully looming over you? Our custom writing service is happy to help you craft a fantastic essay on ethics whenever the need arises.

🔝 Top 10 Ethical Topics

  • 🧑🤝🧑Types of Ethics
  • 🤔 Ethical Issues
  • 🖥️ Computer Ethics
  • 🧬 Bioethics
  • 🚓👮 Criminal Justice
  • ⚖️ Ethical Dilemmas

⭐ Top 10 Ethics Topics to Debate

😈 ethical questions to debate, 🔍 references.

  • Religious beliefs vs. medical care
  • Issues behind unpaid internships
  • Toxic environment at the workplace
  • The dilemma of reporting an accident
  • Should one’s political leanings be private?
  • The limits of doctor-patient confidentiality
  • Is it ethical to pay children for good grades?
  • Ethics at the workplace and discrimination
  • Should social media be allowed at the workplace?
  • Promotion of environmental responsibility in business

🧑🤝🧑 Types of Ethics

Modern philosophy splits ethics into three groups: metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics.

  • The core question of metaethics is: “What is morality, and where does it come from?” It is also concerned with the emergence of human values, motivation, and reasoning.
  • Normative ethics seeks to answer the question, “How should I act?” An example of a normative moral theory is Kant’s Categorical Imperative: Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law . In other words: be kind.
  • Applied ethics seeks to apply moral considerations into real-life controversial subjects. Its contents can vary greatly and touch bioethics as well as criminal justice. It studies specific actions and practices from the point of moral acceptance.

Virtues are necessary.

However, ethics does not end with these three types. Over the centuries, philosophers have proposed various ethical theories. Their four general categories are deontological, utilitarian, right, and virtue ethics.

  • A deontologist is a person with a set of moral duties from which they will not adhere. When faced with an ethical conflict, they will always act according to their self-proclaimed obligations.
  • For a utilitarian , a decision needs to yield the greatest benefit for the majority.
  • If rights are the root of an ethical theory, these are the highest priority. A person’s rights can either be established in a society by law or bestowed from one individual upon another.
  • Judging someone by virtue means considering a person’s character rather than their actions. Here, an individual’s reputation, motivation, and ethics play a crucial role.

Now that you know the basics, you have the perfect ground to start your ethics essay.

🤔 Ethical Topics for an Essay

Ethical issues are situations in which an individual needs to evaluate which course of action is morally right. Essays on this topic shine a light on difficult questions. Therefore, students need to defend their position convincingly.

  • Discuss what we should do about climate change.
  • What are the moral problems surrounding abortion?
  • Can we still justify eating meat?
  • Investigate the use of plastic in the beauty industry.
  • Is it unethical to be extremely rich?
  • Should you buy Nestlé products despite the fact that the company privatizes water?
  • Is the unequal distribution of wealth unethical?
  • Discuss how workplace ethics should take sexism into account.
  • What can we do to combat racism?
  • Why are LGBT+ people discriminated against?
  • Should euthanasia be legal?
  • Can war be ethical?
  • Should schools punish students for attending the Fridays for Future protests?
  • Would drug use be unethical if it were legal?
  • Explain the moral problems that come with automating jobs.

The Ten Commandments.

  • Is it ethical to hire someone to do assignments for you?
  • How far should everyone’s right to privacy go?
  • Is using animals for scientific testing unethical?
  • How should governments deal with refugees? 
  • Discuss the carbon impact of having children.
  • Can modern societies still be held accountable for what their nation did in the past?
  • Analyze the benefits and disadvantages of universal income.
  • How much control should the state have on the press?
  • Should schools teach religion?
  • What are ethical concerns regarding downloading media from the internet?

🖥️ Computer Ethics Essay Topics

The advent of information technology has altered every aspect of our lives. Computer ethics applies traditional moral theories to everything surrounding computers and cyber security. The list below contains enthralling ethical topics concerned with the realm of computing.

  • How much work should we leave entirely to computers?
  • Discuss the dangers of storing vulnerable data online.
  • Are computers secure enough to contain so much information about our lives?
  • Discuss if hacking can be morally justified.
  • Examine privacy-related concerns regarding computers .
  • Should all software be free?
  • How can you legitimize the possession of a computer algorithm patent?
  • What can be done to prevent cyberbullying?
  • Investigate the moral effects anonymity has on internet users.
  • Whose laws apply if you wish to protect your rights online?
  • Discuss how the necessity to own a computer impacts poorer nations and people.
  • Which ethical problems can people face due to the internet’s possibilities?
  • When is sabotaging another person’s computer justified?
  • Analyze the social responsibility that comes with developing new software.
  • Are computer crimes less harmful than crimes against humans?
  • Who owns information that is distributed online?
  • What is more important: easy accessibility or privacy?
  • Investigate the moral problems associated with AI.
  • If a computer makes a critical mistake, whose fault is it?
  • Discuss the importance of netiquette.
  • How should tech companies deal with ethical problems?
  • Can AI algorithms ensure ethical behavior? 
  • Why do tech companies need ethics boards?
  • Which ethical conflicts appear when using drones?
  • Investigate racial bias in facial recognition systems.

🏅 Sports Ethics Topics for a Paper

Morality in sports is based on integrity, respect, responsibility, and fairness. Often, this puts athletes into a dilemma: do I want to be ethical, or do I want to win? Answering these questions is not always easy. The following list compiles sports topics for a research paper on ethics.

  • What are moral complications when using enhancement drugs?
  • Is gamesmanship unethical?
  • How important is ethics in sports?
  • Discuss the moral responsibilities of athletes .
  • What are ethical reasons to pay college athletes?
  • Investigate the ethical implications of kneeling for the national anthem .
  • Can college sports and the principles of higher education go hand in hand?
  • Investigate the sexist bias in sports.
  • Was it selfish when the American female soccer team went to court to demand equal pay?

Thomas A. Edison quote.

  • What moral obligations do universities have towards their athletes?
  • When can you justify cheating?
  • Concerning the environment, how can professional sports events be ethical?
  • Which ethical issues do healthcare workers have concerning sportspeople? 
  • Which moral duties do teams’ coaches have?
  • Are the extremely high salaries of sports professionals justified?
  • In 2003, the Olympics abolished the wild card system. Was that fair?
  • Because of the Paralympics, disabled athletes cannot take part in the real Olympics. Is that discriminatory?
  • Discuss how money influences the fairness of a sport.
  • Debate if and how children are exploited to become elite athletes.
  • Which moral duties should a good sport follow?
  • How much should parents get involved in their child’s physical education?
  • Investigate if everyday codes of ethics should apply to sports.
  • Discuss the ethical implications of motorsports.
  • Who is responsible if a player gets injured?
  • Are referees always fair?

🧬 Bioethics Topics for an Essay

Bioethics comes into play when we talk about life and health. It expands from genetics to neurology and even plastic surgery. In the name of the common good, researchers often find themselves in conflicting positions. This makes bioethics an especially exciting topic to write about.

  • Discuss the moral conflicts of genetic engineering. 
  • What are the ethical responsibilities associated with using CRISPR? 
  • Investigate the problems of stem cell research.
  • When can humans be used for drug testing? 
  • Should vaccinations be mandatory for everyone?
  • Investigate the ethics that apply to a medical worker.
  • Discuss the harmful effects of plastic surgery. 
  • Should a person who is brain dead be kept alive?
  • Is it just that medical care is linked to an individual’s ability to pay?
  • Should everyone be an organ donor by default?
  • What is more important: a person’s right to privacy or the information of at-risk relatives?
  • Is prenatal invasive testing ethical?
  • Should neuroenhancement drugs be legal?
  • Discuss ethical conflicts concerning Disclosure and Barring Service.
  • Is it ethical to improve memory functions with brain stimulation?
  • Analyze the ethical issues concerning precision medicine.
  • What are the problems of surrogacy? 
  • Should medical personnel collect healthy tissues of a deceased person without their consent?

Bioethics is closely connected with the fields of technology, medicine, politics, philosophy, and law,

  • What should be done with the child of a brain-dead pregnant woman?
  • How important is a subject’s anonymity during research?
  • Discuss the ethics of shared decision-making .
  • How much responsibility do mentally challenged people carry for their actions?
  • Was Sweden right not to impose strict lockdown rules during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • To what extent are businesses responsible for their employees’ health?
  • Should universal healthcare be free?

🚓👮 Criminal Justice Ethics Topics to Write About

Law enforcers should always act ethically. Unfortunately, it is not always the case. Police officers and attorneys often end up in morally ambiguous situations. In many cases, they don’t do what the public deems the right thing. Below are the examples of criminal justice ethics topics.

  • When is it legitimate for a police officer to use violence?
  • How can an officer remain impartial?
  • Should law enforcement visibly wear guns in public? 
  • How much force is too much?
  • Investigate possible ethical implications associated with true crime podcasts.
  • Should prostitution be legal in the US?
  • How ethical is interrogation? 
  • Can torture be justified?
  • Discuss the ethical consequences of lying when working in criminal justice .
  • Is working undercover deception? 
  • Debate whether it is an American citizen’s moral duty to participate in jury duty.
  • Should the police be allowed to access everyone’s data?
  • Discuss the moral complications of “innocent until proven guilty.”
  • Should convicted pedophiles be allowed to see their children?
  • Can teaching ethics at schools prevent crime?
  • Analyze ethical problems of the Stanford Prison Experiment.
  • Should NATO have become involved in America’s Afghan war?
  • What are the ethical implications of shooter drills at school?
  • Was Edward Snowden morally in the wrong?
  • How should we deal with child soldiers?
  • Discuss if the prosecution of Julian Assange is justified.
  • Examine the ethical problems of private prisons.
  • What moral obligations should someone consider when granting prisoners the right to work?
  • When is capital punishment justified?
  • Is it ethical to incarcerate juvenile offenders? 

⚖️ Ethical Dilemma Topics to Write About

An ethical issue becomes a dilemma when different moral standards clash with each other. In this situation, it is impossible to find a path to an ethically permissible solution that is unambiguous. The following sample topics are a solid base to start a discussion on morals.

  • Should parents watch over what their children do on the internet?
  • Would you report an accident you caused if there are no witnesses?
  • What should a doctor do if a patient refuses life-saving treatment for religious reasons? 
  • Should you turn down a client if their political views do not match yours?
  • Would you promote something you are not convinced of to get money?
  • Should you lie to land a job that gets you out of poverty?

Ethical dilemmas.

  • Your partner cheated on you. Now, you get the chance to take your revenge with someone you really like. Would you do it? 
  • Should students use automated writing tools like free thesis generators , summarizers, and paraphrasers?
  • Your teacher is continuously mocking your classmate. You are a teacher’s pet. Would you speak up?
  • Your son likes to wear dresses. One day, he asks if he can wear one to school. Will you let him?
  • You are very religious. Your daughter wants to get married to another woman and invites you to her wedding. What will you do?
  • Prenatal testing showed that your unborn child has a disability. Would you terminate pregnancy?
  • You are in a long-term relationship. Suddenly, your partner gets a job offer in another part of the world. What would you do?
  • You have a terminal illness. This makes you a financial burden to your relatives. Are you obliged towards them to quit your treatment?
  • You have a red and a blue candy bar. Blue is your favorite, but you also know that it’s your friend’s favorite. Will you give it to them?
  • A friend asked you for a loan. Since then, they have not given you anything back. They are still not wholly stable financially. Will you ask them to return the money?
  • Your grandma passed away and bequeathed her favorite mink coat to you. You are a vegan. What do you do?
  • A few years ago, you borrowed a gun from a friend. Now, they ask for it back, but their mental state seems to be rapidly deteriorating. This makes you scared they are going to shoot someone, or themselves. What do you do?
  • You find out that your friend cheats on their spouse. You are close friends with their family. Will you tell on them?
  • For your birthday, your friend gave you a sweater they’ve made themselves. You think it’s ugly. Do you tell them?
  • You are a vegan. Should you buy vegan products which are highly problematic to produce? 
  • You are in a restaurant. Your order arrives too late. The waitress looks stressed. Will you make her take it back?
  • You went to the store and bought a new, expensive item. The clerk gives you too much change. Do you give it back?
  • You are walking with a friend and find $50 on the floor. Would you share it with them?
  • Your child firmly believes in Santa Claus. One Christmas, they start suspecting that he is not real. What do you do? 
  • Is having pets ethical?
  • Can eating meat be justified?
  • Should we defund the police?
  • Should atomic bombs be banned?
  • Can discrimination be justified?
  • Is it ethical to ask someone’s age?
  • Should children get paid for chores?
  • Is it unprofessional to send voice messages?
  • Should children be allowed to vote?
  • Should influencers promote products they don’t use?
  • Should there be any limitations to doctor and patient confidentiality?
  • Should physician-assisted suicide be allowed?
  • Can teenagers get plastic surgery?
  • What to do when you find out that your relative has committed an offense?
  • What to do when you see your friend cheating on the exam?
  • Should sportsmen be paid more than teachers?
  • Should gender quotas be used during parliamentary elections?
  • Do companies have the right to collect information about their customers?
  • Can politicians appeal to religious issues during electoral campaigns?
  • Should fake news be censored in a democratic society?

We hope that in this list you’ve found the ethics topic that fits you the best. Good luck with your assignment!

Further reading:

  • 430 Philosophy Topics & Questions for Your Essay
  • 226 Research Topics on Criminal Justice & Criminology
  • 512 Research Topics on HumSS (Humanities & Social Sciences)
  • 204 Research Topics on Technology & Computer Science
  • What’s the Difference Between Morality and Ethics?: Britannica
  • What is Ethics?: Santa Clara University
  • Ethics: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
  • Metaethics: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
  • Ethical Issues: Idaho State University
  • The Problem with AI Ethics: The Verge
  • Sports Ethics: Santa Clara University
  • What Is Bioethics?: Michigan State University
  • Ethics in Criminal Justice: Campbellsville University
  • Kant’s Formula of Universal Law: Harvard University
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177 Interesting Ethics Paper Topics For Your Thesis

ethics paper topics

Ethics is a branch of study in philosophy that studies the concept of morality—what is good or bad, what is acceptable or unacceptable. It’s a philosophical theory that looks into moral rules and codes, principles, value systems, and other related concepts.

In academia, an ethical theory is used as one of the analytical tools in drawing analysis on several socio-cultural topics. Ethics can be applied to any particular subject matter in human society. And, on this, so many compelling, controversial or interesting ethical topics for academic essays and research papers have continued to spring up.

For students writing either an essay or a research paper on ethics, there are some relevant things to note about a good essay/research topic and writing a dissertation. They include:

Brainstorm on different topics Always go for a topic you are familiar with Choose a topic that has enough “flesh”. This is important as interesting topics will help you develop your essay/research Define your subject of interest. It makes the writing easier Properly researching for topics that serve contemporary social relevance Outlining is important for your research topic

What following some of these processes does for your essay/research/thesis is that it enriches your work and affords you the ability to communicate ideas clearly to readers. Here are some topics in ethics you can use for your essay/research.

Interesting Top Level Ethics Paper Topics for All Students

Writing a paper on ethics makes for an interesting writing experience because they usually require that the writer make a case for a particular subject based on whether the subject is right or wrong. There are so many ethical topics for papers. As a student, there are several ethical questions to debate, and you can choose to model your topic using some of these samples:

  • Discuss what should be done concerning the rise in the ban on safe abortion
  • Is the right to safe abortion practice unethical?
  • Should abortion practice be promoted or championed for women in society?
  • Are humans truly the root source for the issues of climate change and global warming the world is currently experiencing?
  • Is it right to discriminate against the sexes?
  • Is there a defining difference between sexes and gender?
  • Is the practice of gender-based violence ethical?
  • Should safe sexual practices be promoted?
  • Sex: A Study of the growing practice of sexual relationships outside marriage
  • Domestic Violence and how it can be combated
  • Marijuana: The distinction to its health roles and health challenges it poses on individuals
  • Is it unethical to promote capitalism and capitalist concepts?
  • A Study of Racism and measures to ensure its decline
  • Is it ethical to be a millionaire while there are so many less privileged people?
  • A study of the ethical challenges that come with being in the academia
  • Is war an ethical practice?
  • Why LGBTQ+ people should not be discriminated against
  • What are the ways workplace ethics can address issues of homophobia and internalized sexism?
  • Is sexism in the workplace an ethical practice?
  • The issue of microaggression and how it can be addressed
  • A study of why workplaces need ethical conduct that monitors issues of workplace harassment
  • Should salaries be uneven?
  • How unethical are uneven salary payment structures?
  • Should start-up tech companies hire more men for starters?
  • How people can prioritize online privacy
  • Is bridging online privacy unethical?
  • Is the right to privacy unethical?

Engaging Ethical Dilemma Topics

As ethics deals with the debate on morals, one of the ways topics on ethics manifests is in the subject of dilemma. Topics like this focus on trying to find a suitable justification for one idea over another. There are several ethics topics to write about on this subject. Some of them include:

  • Should students be allowed to bring their phones to school?
  • Should parents police every social activity of their children?
  • Should teachers use the cane on students as a disciplinary measure?
  • Is flogging a good correctional practice?
  • Should you leave your partner if they are of opposing political views?
  • Should opposing religious beliefs be a deal-breaker in relationships?
  • Should capitalism be abolished completely?
  • Should a teacher maintain some level of friendship with their students?
  • Is there any lingering importance of capitalism to society?
  • Is revenge a viable option in a relationship if your partner cheats on you?
  • Is sharing your experiences online the same as showing off a lifestyle?
  • Should people from different religious beliefs and backgrounds partner?
  • Is checking the DNA of your children important or necessary?
  • Should parents enforce their children on behaviors to take up?
  • Can discipline properly correct the attitudes of a child?
  • Should eating junk foods be avoided completely?
  • Should Halloween Trick or Treat and Costume be prioritized over Thanksgiving Dinners?
  • Should children hold different religious beliefs from their parents while still young?
  • Does strict parenting serve as the best way to raise a child?
  • Is it important to reveal a secret to a friend or to keep one’s peace?
  • Should cooking at home be prioritized over eating out?
  • Is socialism a more suitable social practice than capitalism?
  • Is accepting financial assistance from your parents acceptable after a certain age?
  • Should school authorities seize phones brought to school?
  • Is sending a child to a mixed school better than same-sex schools?
  • Can afforestation alone save the world from global warming and the general climate change condition?
  • Does being educated equate with being intelligent?

Ethical Issues to Write about in Your College Essay

One important thing to note about ethical topics is that they touch across so many different subjects. As a college student preparing to write an essay on ethics, rest assured as there are so many ethics ideas to write about. Here are some ethical topics to write about:

  • Does Hiring female employees cover a company’s sexist motives?
  • Should Actors be paid more than teachers?
  • Taking medical decisions for a patient without their consent
  • How ethical is the interference of the judiciary by the legislative arm of government?
  • Is it ethical to fire someone due to their dress code?
  • Is it unethical to wear colored hair to work?
  • Is censorship ethical?
  • Where does media censorship draw the line?
  • Is it ethical for religious figureheads to meddle in state politics?
  • Should gender be the reason why a person is restricted access to certain social privileges?
  • Should sexuality be a discriminatory factor in society?
  • Should companies and places of work provide counseling and therapy services for their employees?
  • Can Children wear makeup on special occasions?
  • Is it unethical to make medical decisions for a patient without any recognizable relatives?
  • Does dress code need to affect how you are addressed?
  • Should implementing ethics in sports be recommended?
  • Is police brutality an ethical practice?
  • The impacts of the excessive consumption of media content?
  • Is the excessive use of social media healthy?
  • How can companies ensure paid maternal and paternal leave?
  • How can the inclusion of non-binary people in company policies promote growth?
  • Is exclusion on the grounds of sexuality ethical?
  • Is exclusion due to political beliefs unethical?
  • How to promote ethical work culture?
  • How can a company ensure that ethical practices are promoted in their companies?

Ethical Argument Topics to Write About

The best part about writing an ethical essay is that it is about anything that is of interest. An important aspect of the ethical argument topic is that it is supported with evidence. There are so many ethical topics to write about that fall within this category, and they include:

  • Is the having of ethical codes and conducts important in an organization?
  • Should people only implement progressive ideas to meet societal needs?
  • Why LGBTQ+ should not be discriminated against
  • Is it unethical to come to work late?
  • Is government-sanctioned execution an ethical practice?
  • Is the American incarceration system an effective corrective system?
  • Is corrective rape an ethical practice?
  • Should the issue of internalized homophobia be addressed?
  • Internalized patriarchy and internalized homophobia, which one births one
  • Should smoking weed be made legal?
  • Why do the less privileged need free healthcare services
  • A study of the effects of colonialism and internalized slavery
  • Must aspiring journalists only focus on journalism courses?
  • Addressing what it means to be of ethical behavior
  • Should students be given a take-home assignment?
  • Is there any academic relevance to assignments?
  • Is access to free healthcare important?
  • Does following the ethics code have abt social relevance?
  • What role should developed countries play for developing countries?
  • Is analysis writing an important aspect of literature?
  • What role does ethics play in schools
  • Should the address of global warming be continuous?
  • Is there room for possible positive developments in global warming?
  • Is the practice of ethics the same as moral teaching
  • Should schools create sex education into their education curriculum

Comprehensive Ethics Debate Topics for Anyone

Just like the argumentative ethics topic, a debate topic on ethics centers majorly on choosing a part to argue for or against. This argument also is wrapped with evidence to support it. Your ethic topics can be on any subject. You can choose moral topics or any other topic with relevance. Here are some lists of ethical debate topics anyone can write on:

  • Should the use of Contraceptives be promoted?
  • Does legalizing weed make it any healthier?
  • Should school children bring phones into school settings?
  • The health impact of excessive engagement on social media
  • Social relevance and importance of having ethical conducts
  • Do companies with ethical conduct grow ahead
  • Does ethics make a workplace safer?
  • Are there importance on why sex education should be added to student’s
  • Why safe abortion rights should be legalized
  • Why the discrimination based on sexuality is harmful
  • Why the practice of hedonism is important
  • Sexual pleasure: Is it morally good?
  • Is happiness dependent on an external factor?
  • Why Institutionalized racism is the root cause of racism and racist beliefs
  • Should the use of drugs be legalized?
  • Is there any progressive importance to having a conservative view on things?
  • Should social media apps allow explicit sexual content?
  • Should social app builders have access to individual account
  • Can homeschool match formal school training?
  • Should the government ensure censorship measures?
  • Is voting during elections the only form of patriotism?
  • Is voting a patriotic display
  • Are families allowed to have contradicting religious beliefs?
  • Should state governments have any interference with the federal government?
  • Should teenagers have access to contraceptives?

Good Ethical Research Papers for your Thesis or Dissertation

Writing either a thesis or a dissertation is a necessary part of academia. As a university student, you can’t graduate from only writing essays withiut writing your graduating thesis. There are so many areas your research paper about ethics can focus on. Here is a list of ethical topics:

  • The contemporary relevance of applied ethics
  • The psychological impacts of the proliferation of technology
  • A Case Study of the legality of weed
  • A multi-dimensional approach to the subject of marriage
  • An ethical approach to the killing of animals
  • A case study of the critical ethical debates on the use of contraception
  • An analytical study of the relevance of ethical conduct in the workplace
  • An investigation into the social relevance and importance of the beauty pageantry culture
  • A critical study of normative ethics
  • The role of applied ethics in the building of a healthy work culture
  • An overview of the barriers associated with good leadership practice
  • A Study of the importance of ethical practice in the healthcare system
  • The study of ethics in business social responsibility
  • An Overview on how Ethics promotes a saner working culture
  • A look into how ethics promotes healthy social relationships
  • The ethical relevance for Doctor and Patient Confidentiality
  • Malpractice and Negligence an ethically challenging issue within the healthcare system
  • The social and health relevance to access to free healthcare insurance
  • A Study of the social relevance of ethics
  • Violence: violence against animals is still abuse
  • A look into strategic approaches to managing cyber crimes
  • Ethic reasons for the separation of the church from politics
  • Ethical Conduct: How Organizations with practicable ethics produces a toxic work environment
  • A look into how Social media negatively impacts the IQ of a student
  • The role of self-awareness and professional responsibility impacts social ethics in the workplace

Good Ethical Questions for Discussion

Primarily, ethics asks and answers the question of wrong or good. There are so many social issues that will make for good ethical questions for discussion. Here is a list of ethical questions for students to form insights from:

  • How does ethics help to promote healthy workplace awareness?
  • Does the practice of abortion negate morality?
  • Is it right for a rape victim to be denied access to safe and free abortion?
  • How do homophobia, racism, misogyny, and ableist practices hinder social growth?
  • Should there be free access to condoms and contraceptive pills?
  • Is free access to contraceptives better than the provision of menstrual materials
  • How can racism be dismantled in an organization without consideration to institutionalized racism?
  • How does the continuous promotion of capitalist concepts hinder societal progress?
  • Does capitalism truly hinder social growth?
  • Why should there be free access to contraceptive materials especially for women?
  • What are the possible feasible solutions to the issue of climate change?
  • Is it unethical not to share the wealth?
  • Is engaging in warfare the right way to bring solutions?
  • Does the use of makeup contradict the concept of beauty?
  • Why are LGBTQ+ rights human rights?
  • Is the legalization of cannabis ethical?
  • Does the way you dress need to be the reason you are addressed a certain way?
  • Are there moral problems that come with job automation?
  • What can be done to combat the use of harmful substances
  • Why should companies stop discriminating based on sex?
  • What is the social relevance of providing workplace access?
  • Why should parents and teachers stop flogging students?
  • What is the distinction between discipline and strictness?
  • Should religious beliefs be a dealbreaker in any relationship?

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 200 Ethical Topics & Questions to Debate in Essay

200 Ethical Topics & Questions to Debate in Essay

ethical topics

Ethical topics and questions are essential for stimulating thoughtful discussions and deepening our understanding of complex moral landscapes. Ethics, the study of what is right and wrong, underpins many aspects of human life and societal functioning. Whether you're crafting an essay or preparing for a debate, delving into ethical issues allows you to explore various perspectives and develop critical thinking skills.

Ethical issues encompass a wide range of dilemmas and conflicts where individuals or societies must choose between competing moral principles. Understanding what are ethical issues involves recognizing situations that challenge our values, behaviors, and decisions. This article provides a thorough guide to ethical topics, offering insights into current ethical issues, and presenting a detailed list of questions and topics to inspire your writing and debates.

Ethical Issues Definition

Ethical issues refer to situations where a decision, action, or policy conflicts with ethical principles or societal norms. These dilemmas often involve a choice between competing values or interests, such as fairness vs. efficiency, privacy vs. security, or individual rights vs. collective good. Ethical issues arise in various fields, including medicine, business, technology, and the environment. They challenge individuals and organizations to consider the moral implications of their actions and to seek solutions that align with ethical standards. Understanding ethical issues requires an analysis of both the potential benefits and the moral costs associated with different courses of action.

⭐ Top 10 Ethical Topics [2024]

  • Climate Change Responsibility
  • Data Privacy in the Digital Age
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • AI and Automation
  • Animal Rights
  • Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech
  • Healthcare Accessibility
  • Human Rights in the Age of Globalization

Ethics Essay Writing Guide

Writing an ethics essay involves more than just presenting facts; it requires a thoughtful analysis of moral principles and their application to real-world scenarios. Understanding ethical topics and what constitutes ethical issues is essential for crafting a compelling essay. Here’s a guide to help you address current ethical issues effectively:

  • Choose a Clear Topic: Select an ethical issue that is both interesting and relevant. Understanding the definition of ethical issues will help you narrow down your choices.
  • Research Thoroughly: Gather information from credible sources to support your arguments. Knowing what ethical issues are and how they are defined can provide a solid foundation for your research.
  • Present Multiple Perspectives: Show an understanding of different viewpoints on the issue. This will demonstrate your grasp of the complexity of current ethical issues.
  • Use Real-world Examples: Illustrate your points with concrete examples. This not only strengthens your arguments but also helps to explain ethical topics in a relatable way.
  • Structure Your Essay: Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. A well-structured essay makes it easier to present your analysis of ethical issues.
  • Provide a Balanced Argument: Weigh the pros and cons to offer a well-rounded discussion. Addressing various aspects of current ethical issues will make your essay more comprehensive.
  • Conclude Thoughtfully: Summarize your findings and reflect on the broader implications of the issue. This is where you can discuss the impact of ethical issues on society and future considerations.

By following this guide, you will be able to write an ethics essay that not only presents facts but also offers a deep and nuanced analysis of ethical topics.

Selecting the Right Research Topic in Ethics

Choosing the right research topic in ethics can be challenging, but it is crucial for writing an engaging and insightful essay. Here are some tips:

  • Relevance: Ensure the topic is relevant to current societal issues.
  • Interest: Pick a topic that genuinely interests you.
  • Scope: Choose a topic with enough scope for research and debate.
  • Complexity: Aim for a topic that is complex enough to allow for in-depth analysis.
  • Availability of Sources: Make sure there are enough resources available to support your research.

What Style Should an Ethics Essay Be Written In?

When writing an ethics essay, it is essential to adopt a formal and objective style. Clarity and conciseness are paramount, as the essay should avoid unnecessary jargon and overly complex sentences that might obscure the main points. Maintaining objectivity is crucial; presenting arguments without bias ensures that the discussion remains balanced and fair. Proper citations are vital to give credit to sources and uphold academic integrity.

Engaging the reader through a logical flow of ideas is important, as it helps sustain interest and facilitates a better understanding of the ethical topics being discussed. Additionally, the essay should be persuasive, making compelling arguments supported by evidence to effectively convey the analysis of moral issues. By following these guidelines, the essay will not only be informative but also impactful in its examination of ethical dilemmas.

List of Current Ethical Issues

  • The impact of social media on privacy.
  • Ethical considerations in genetic cloning.
  • Balancing national security with individual rights.
  • Privacy concerns in the digital age.
  • The ethics of biohacking.
  • Ethical considerations in space exploration.
  • The ethics of surveillance and data collection by governments and corporations.
  • Ethical issues in the use of facial recognition technology.
  • The ethical implications of autonomous vehicles.
  • The morality of animal testing in scientific research.
  • Ethical concerns in the gig economy.
  • The impact of climate change on ethical business practices.
  • The ethics of consumer data usage by companies.
  • Ethical dilemmas in end-of-life care and assisted suicide.
  • The role of ethics in the development of renewable energy sources.

Ethical Issues in Psychology

  • Confidentiality vs. duty to warn in therapy.
  • Ethical dilemmas in psychological research.
  • The use of placebo in psychological treatment.
  • Ethical issues in the treatment of vulnerable populations.
  • The ethics of involuntary commitment and treatment.
  • Dual relationships and conflicts of interest in therapy.
  • The use of deception in psychological experiments.
  • The ethics of cognitive enhancement drugs.
  • Ethical considerations in online therapy and telepsychology.
  • Cultural competence and ethical practice in psychology.
  • The ethics of forensic psychology and assessment.
  • The impact of social media on mental health and ethical practice.
  • The use of emerging technologies in psychological treatment.
  • Ethical issues in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
  • The role of ethics in psychological testing and assessment.

Ethical Debate Topics

  • Is capital punishment morally justified?
  • Should organ donation be mandatory?
  • The ethics of artificial intelligence in warfare.
  • Is euthanasia ethically permissible?
  • Should human cloning be allowed?
  • The morality of animal rights vs. human benefit.
  • Is it ethical to use animals for entertainment?
  • Should there be limits on free speech?
  • The ethics of genetic modification in humans.
  • Is it ethical to have mandatory vaccinations?
  • The morality of government surveillance programs.
  • Should assisted reproductive technologies be regulated?
  • The ethics of using performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
  • Should healthcare be considered a human right?
  • The ethical implications of wealth inequality and redistribution.

Medical Ethics Topics

  • Ariel Case Study: a Comprehensive Analysis
  • The Case for and Against Daylight Saving Time
  • Technological Advancements in Medical, Educational & Other Fields
  • The Language of Medicine
  • Medical Ethics: Beneficence and Non-maleficence
  • Overview of What Sonography is
  • The Use of Steroids and HGH in Sports
  • Media and The Scientific Community Treat People Like Tools
  • Informative Speech for Organ Donation
  • Medicine in Our World
  • The Origin of Medical Terminology
  • Preserving Sight: My Journey to Becoming an Optometrist
  • Case of Dr. Eric Poehlman's Ethical Violation
  • Should The NHS Treat Patients with Self-Inflicted Illnesses
  • My Education as a Medical Technologist

Ethics Essay Topics on Business

  • Ethics Report on Panasonic Corporation
  • Case Study on The ACS Code of Morals
  • Differences in Business Ethics Among East Asian Countries
  • Business Ethics in Sports
  • Business Ethics in Different Countries, and Its Importance
  • Selfless Service and Its Impact on Social Change
  • Challenges in Doing Business Across The Border
  • The Importance of Ethics in Advertising
  • Ethical Issues that Businesses Face
  • Profitability of Business Ethics
  • The Law and Morality in Business
  • How Ethnic Variances Effect Worldwide Business
  • The Ethical Practices in The Business Sector in the Modern Economy
  • Key Responsibilities and Code of Ethics in Engineering Profession
  • Analysis of The Code of Ethics in Walmart

Ethics Essay Topics on Environment

  • Understanding The Importance of Keeping Animals Safe
  • The Importance of Treating Animals with Respect
  • CWU and The Issue of Chimpanzee Captivity
  • The Process of Suicidal Reproduction in the Animal World
  • Analysis of The Egg Industry to Understand The Causes of The High Prices in Eggs
  • The Dangers of Zoos
  • Importance for Animals to Be Free from Harm by Humans
  • Should Animals Be Killed for The Benefit of Humans
  • Reasons Why Genetic Engineering Should Be Banned
  • What I Learned in Ethics Class: Environmental Ethics
  • Nanotechnology and Environment
  • Review of The Environmental Protection Act
  • How The Idea of Preservation of Nature Can Benefit from Environmental Ethics
  • The Relation and Controversy Between American Diet and Environmental Ethics
  • Green Technology

Work Ethics Essay Topics

  • The impact of workplace surveillance on employee privacy.
  • Ethical considerations in remote work.
  • Discrimination in the workplace.
  • An Examination of Addiction to Work in The Protestant Work Ethic
  • The Work Ethic of The Millennials
  • My Understanding of The Proper Environment in the Workplace
  • Social Responsibility & Ethics Management Program in Business
  • The Maternity Benefits Act, 1961
  • The Issue of Stealing in The Workplace
  • Chinese Work Management and Business Identity
  • Ethical Issues of Using Social Media at the Workplace
  • The Teleological Ethical Theories
  • Learning Journal on Ethical Conflicts, Environmental Issues, and Social Responsibilities
  • Social Media at Workplace: Ethics and Influence
  • Ethical Issue of Employees Stealing and Whistleblowing

Ethics Essay Topics on Philosophy

  • A Critical Analysis of Ethical Dilemmas in Education and Beyond
  • Overview of What an Ethical Dilemma is
  • The Implications of Exculpatory Language
  • Ethical Dilemmas in End-of-life Decision Making
  • What I Learned in Ethics Class: Integrating Ethics in Aviation
  • Doing What is Right is not Always Popular: Philosophy of Ethics
  • An Analysis of Public Trust and Corporate Ethics
  • Ethical Concerns of Beauty Pageants
  • Simone De Beauvoir’s Contribution to Philosophy and Ethics
  • The Impact on Decision-making and Life Choices
  • Importance and Improvement of Personal Ethics
  • Personal Ethics and Integrity in Our Life
  • Analysis of The Philosophical Concept of Virtue Ethics
  • Understanding Moral Action
  • How to Become a Gentleman
  • A Call for Emphasis on Private Morality and Virtue Teaching
  • A Positive Spin on Ethical Marketing in The Gambling Industry
  • An Overview of The Ethical Dilemma in a Personal Case
  • Bioethical Principles and Professional Responsibilities
  • Ethical Considerations in Counseling Adolescents
  • Ethical Dilemma in College Life
  • Ethical Theories: Deontology and Utilitarianism
  • Issues of Fraud, Ethics, and Regulation in Healthcare
  • Navigating Ethical Dimensions in Education
  • The Ethical Landscape of Advanced Technology
  • Research Paper on The Ethical Issue of Publishing The Pentagon Papers
  • The Trolley Problem: an Ethical Dilemma
  • Analysis of "To The Bitter End" Case Study
  • Ethical Theories: Virtue and Utilitarian Ethics
  • Feminist Ethics: Deconstructing Gender and Morality
  • Is Deadpool a Hero Research Paper
  • My Moral and Ethical Stance
  • The Concept of Ethics and The Pursuit of Happiness
  • The Ethics of Graphic Photojournalism
  • The Quintessence of Justice: a Critical Evaluation of Juror 11's Role
  • The Wolf of Wall Street: Ethics of Greed
  • The Importance of Ethics in Our Daily Life
  • Analysis of The Envy Emotion and My Emotional Norms
  • The Topic of Animal Rights in Relation to The Virtue Theory

Ethics Essay Topics on Science

  • The Cause of Cancer as Illustrated in a Bioethics Study
  • Bioethical Issues Related to Genetic Engineering
  • Ethical Issues in Stem Cell Research
  • The Role of Ethics Committees in Biomedical Research
  • The Legal and Bioethical Aspects of Personalised Medicine Based on Genetic Composition
  • The Ethics of Clinical Trials: Ensuring Informed Consent and Patient Safety
  • Ethical Challenges in Neuroethics: Brain Privacy and Cognitive Liberty
  • Gene Therapy: Ethical Dilemmas and Social Implications
  • Overview of Bioethics The Trigger of Contentious Moral Topics
  • The Progression of Bioethics and Its Importance
  • The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Medical Ethics
  • The Drawbacks of Free Healthcare: Economic, Quality, and Access Issues
  • Bioethical Issues in My Sister’s Keeper: Having Your Autonomy Taken to Save Your Sibling
  • The Ethics of Biotechnology in Agriculture: GMOs and Food Safety
  • Ethical Considerations in Organ Donation and Transplantation

List of Ethical Questions for Students

Exploring ethical topics is crucial for students to develop critical thinking and moral reasoning. Here is a comprehensive list of ethical questions for students to discuss and debate. These topics cover a wide range of issues, encouraging thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding.

Good Ethical Questions for Discussion

  • Is it ethical to eat meat?
  • Should parents have the right to genetically modify their children?
  • Is it ever acceptable to lie?
  • Should schools monitor students' social media activity?
  • Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research?
  • Should companies be allowed to patent human genes?
  • Is it right to impose cultural values on others?
  • Should the government regulate internet content?
  • Is it ethical to have designer babies?
  • Should wealthy countries help poorer nations?
  • Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?
  • Should there be limits to freedom of speech?
  • Is it right to use artificial intelligence in decision-making?
  • Should we prioritize privacy over security?
  • Is it ethical to manipulate emotions through advertising?

Moral Questions to Debate

  • Is genetic modification in humans ethical?
  • Should vaccinations be mandatory?
  • Is government surveillance justified?
  • Is it ethical to use performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
  • Is wealth inequality morally acceptable?
  • Should education be free for everyone?
  • Is it ethical to allow autonomous robots to make life-and-death decisions?

Ethical topics and questions are a rich field for exploration and discussion. Examining these issues, we can better understand the moral principles that guide our actions and decisions. Whether you're writing an essay or preparing for a debate, this comprehensive list of ethical topics and questions will help you engage with complex moral dilemmas and develop your critical thinking skills.

Economic Essay Topics

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  • Ethical Considerations in Research | Types & Examples

Ethical Considerations in Research | Types & Examples

Published on October 18, 2021 by Pritha Bhandari . Revised on May 9, 2024.

Ethical considerations in research are a set of principles that guide your research designs and practices. Scientists and researchers must always adhere to a certain code of conduct when collecting data from people.

The goals of human research often include understanding real-life phenomena, studying effective treatments, investigating behaviors, and improving lives in other ways. What you decide to research and how you conduct that research involve key ethical considerations.

These considerations work to

  • protect the rights of research participants
  • enhance research validity
  • maintain scientific or academic integrity

Table of contents

Why do research ethics matter, getting ethical approval for your study, types of ethical issues, voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, potential for harm, results communication, examples of ethical failures, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research ethics.

Research ethics matter for scientific integrity, human rights and dignity, and collaboration between science and society. These principles make sure that participation in studies is voluntary, informed, and safe for research subjects.

You’ll balance pursuing important research objectives with using ethical research methods and procedures. It’s always necessary to prevent permanent or excessive harm to participants, whether inadvertent or not.

Defying research ethics will also lower the credibility of your research because it’s hard for others to trust your data if your methods are morally questionable.

Even if a research idea is valuable to society, it doesn’t justify violating the human rights or dignity of your study participants.

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research ethics essay questions

Before you start any study involving data collection with people, you’ll submit your research proposal to an institutional review board (IRB) .

An IRB is a committee that checks whether your research aims and research design are ethically acceptable and follow your institution’s code of conduct. They check that your research materials and procedures are up to code.

If successful, you’ll receive IRB approval, and you can begin collecting data according to the approved procedures. If you want to make any changes to your procedures or materials, you’ll need to submit a modification application to the IRB for approval.

If unsuccessful, you may be asked to re-submit with modifications or your research proposal may receive a rejection. To get IRB approval, it’s important to explicitly note how you’ll tackle each of the ethical issues that may arise in your study.

There are several ethical issues you should always pay attention to in your research design, and these issues can overlap with each other.

You’ll usually outline ways you’ll deal with each issue in your research proposal if you plan to collect data from participants.

Voluntary participation Your participants are free to opt in or out of the study at any point in time.
Informed consent Participants know the purpose, benefits, risks, and funding behind the study before they agree or decline to join.
Anonymity You don’t know the identities of the participants. Personally identifiable data is not collected.
Confidentiality You know who the participants are but you keep that information hidden from everyone else. You anonymize personally identifiable data so that it can’t be linked to other data by anyone else.
Potential for harm Physical, social, psychological and all other types of harm are kept to an absolute minimum.
Results communication You ensure your work is free of or research misconduct, and you accurately represent your results.

Voluntary participation means that all research subjects are free to choose to participate without any pressure or coercion.

All participants are able to withdraw from, or leave, the study at any point without feeling an obligation to continue. Your participants don’t need to provide a reason for leaving the study.

It’s important to make it clear to participants that there are no negative consequences or repercussions to their refusal to participate. After all, they’re taking the time to help you in the research process , so you should respect their decisions without trying to change their minds.

Voluntary participation is an ethical principle protected by international law and many scientific codes of conduct.

Take special care to ensure there’s no pressure on participants when you’re working with vulnerable groups of people who may find it hard to stop the study even when they want to.

Informed consent refers to a situation in which all potential participants receive and understand all the information they need to decide whether they want to participate. This includes information about the study’s benefits, risks, funding, and institutional approval.

You make sure to provide all potential participants with all the relevant information about

  • what the study is about
  • the risks and benefits of taking part
  • how long the study will take
  • your supervisor’s contact information and the institution’s approval number

Usually, you’ll provide participants with a text for them to read and ask them if they have any questions. If they agree to participate, they can sign or initial the consent form. Note that this may not be sufficient for informed consent when you work with particularly vulnerable groups of people.

If you’re collecting data from people with low literacy, make sure to verbally explain the consent form to them before they agree to participate.

For participants with very limited English proficiency, you should always translate the study materials or work with an interpreter so they have all the information in their first language.

In research with children, you’ll often need informed permission for their participation from their parents or guardians. Although children cannot give informed consent, it’s best to also ask for their assent (agreement) to participate, depending on their age and maturity level.

Anonymity means that you don’t know who the participants are and you can’t link any individual participant to their data.

You can only guarantee anonymity by not collecting any personally identifying information—for example, names, phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, physical characteristics, photos, and videos.

In many cases, it may be impossible to truly anonymize data collection . For example, data collected in person or by phone cannot be considered fully anonymous because some personal identifiers (demographic information or phone numbers) are impossible to hide.

You’ll also need to collect some identifying information if you give your participants the option to withdraw their data at a later stage.

Data pseudonymization is an alternative method where you replace identifying information about participants with pseudonymous, or fake, identifiers. The data can still be linked to participants but it’s harder to do so because you separate personal information from the study data.

Confidentiality means that you know who the participants are, but you remove all identifying information from your report.

All participants have a right to privacy, so you should protect their personal data for as long as you store or use it. Even when you can’t collect data anonymously, you should secure confidentiality whenever you can.

Some research designs aren’t conducive to confidentiality, but it’s important to make all attempts and inform participants of the risks involved.

As a researcher, you have to consider all possible sources of harm to participants. Harm can come in many different forms.

  • Psychological harm: Sensitive questions or tasks may trigger negative emotions such as shame or anxiety.
  • Social harm: Participation can involve social risks, public embarrassment, or stigma.
  • Physical harm: Pain or injury can result from the study procedures.
  • Legal harm: Reporting sensitive data could lead to legal risks or a breach of privacy.

It’s best to consider every possible source of harm in your study as well as concrete ways to mitigate them. Involve your supervisor to discuss steps for harm reduction.

Make sure to disclose all possible risks of harm to participants before the study to get informed consent. If there is a risk of harm, prepare to provide participants with resources or counseling or medical services if needed.

Some of these questions may bring up negative emotions, so you inform participants about the sensitive nature of the survey and assure them that their responses will be confidential.

The way you communicate your research results can sometimes involve ethical issues. Good science communication is honest, reliable, and credible. It’s best to make your results as transparent as possible.

Take steps to actively avoid plagiarism and research misconduct wherever possible.

Plagiarism means submitting others’ works as your own. Although it can be unintentional, copying someone else’s work without proper credit amounts to stealing. It’s an ethical problem in research communication because you may benefit by harming other researchers.

Self-plagiarism is when you republish or re-submit parts of your own papers or reports without properly citing your original work.

This is problematic because you may benefit from presenting your ideas as new and original even though they’ve already been published elsewhere in the past. You may also be infringing on your previous publisher’s copyright, violating an ethical code, or wasting time and resources by doing so.

In extreme cases of self-plagiarism, entire datasets or papers are sometimes duplicated. These are major ethical violations because they can skew research findings if taken as original data.

You notice that two published studies have similar characteristics even though they are from different years. Their sample sizes, locations, treatments, and results are highly similar, and the studies share one author in common.

Research misconduct

Research misconduct means making up or falsifying data, manipulating data analyses, or misrepresenting results in research reports. It’s a form of academic fraud.

These actions are committed intentionally and can have serious consequences; research misconduct is not a simple mistake or a point of disagreement about data analyses.

Research misconduct is a serious ethical issue because it can undermine academic integrity and institutional credibility. It leads to a waste of funding and resources that could have been used for alternative research.

Later investigations revealed that they fabricated and manipulated their data to show a nonexistent link between vaccines and autism. Wakefield also neglected to disclose important conflicts of interest, and his medical license was taken away.

This fraudulent work sparked vaccine hesitancy among parents and caregivers. The rate of MMR vaccinations in children fell sharply, and measles outbreaks became more common due to a lack of herd immunity.

Research scandals with ethical failures are littered throughout history, but some took place not that long ago.

Some scientists in positions of power have historically mistreated or even abused research participants to investigate research problems at any cost. These participants were prisoners, under their care, or otherwise trusted them to treat them with dignity.

To demonstrate the importance of research ethics, we’ll briefly review two research studies that violated human rights in modern history.

These experiments were inhumane and resulted in trauma, permanent disabilities, or death in many cases.

After some Nazi doctors were put on trial for their crimes, the Nuremberg Code of research ethics for human experimentation was developed in 1947 to establish a new standard for human experimentation in medical research.

In reality, the actual goal was to study the effects of the disease when left untreated, and the researchers never informed participants about their diagnoses or the research aims.

Although participants experienced severe health problems, including blindness and other complications, the researchers only pretended to provide medical care.

When treatment became possible in 1943, 11 years after the study began, none of the participants were offered it, despite their health conditions and high risk of death.

Ethical failures like these resulted in severe harm to participants, wasted resources, and lower trust in science and scientists. This is why all research institutions have strict ethical guidelines for performing research.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

  • Normal distribution
  • Measures of central tendency
  • Chi square tests
  • Confidence interval
  • Quartiles & Quantiles
  • Cluster sampling
  • Stratified sampling
  • Thematic analysis
  • Cohort study
  • Peer review
  • Ethnography

Research bias

  • Implicit bias
  • Cognitive bias
  • Conformity bias
  • Hawthorne effect
  • Availability heuristic
  • Attrition bias
  • Social desirability bias

Ethical considerations in research are a set of principles that guide your research designs and practices. These principles include voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, potential for harm, and results communication.

Scientists and researchers must always adhere to a certain code of conduct when collecting data from others .

These considerations protect the rights of research participants, enhance research validity , and maintain scientific integrity.

Research ethics matter for scientific integrity, human rights and dignity, and collaboration between science and society. These principles make sure that participation in studies is voluntary, informed, and safe.

Anonymity means you don’t know who the participants are, while confidentiality means you know who they are but remove identifying information from your research report. Both are important ethical considerations .

You can only guarantee anonymity by not collecting any personally identifying information—for example, names, phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, physical characteristics, photos, or videos.

You can keep data confidential by using aggregate information in your research report, so that you only refer to groups of participants rather than individuals.

These actions are committed intentionally and can have serious consequences; research misconduct is not a simple mistake or a point of disagreement but a serious ethical failure.

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If you’re searching for engaging ethics essay topics for your assignments, StudyCorgi is here to help you. On this page, you’ll find plenty of medical, engineering, and business ethics research paper topics and questions for your presentation, research proposal, or essay. Read on to get inspired!

⚖️ TOP 7 Ethics Project Topics

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  • Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
  • Ethics and Morality: Similarities and Differences
  • The Importance of Ethics in Personal and Professional Life
  • Ethical and Legal Implications of Prescribing Drugs
  • Ethics in Information and Communications Technology
  • Teleological Ethics Examples in Business
  • Ethical Problems in Amazon
  • Workplace Ethics and the Code of Conduct The essay aims at highlighting the desirable employee workplace code of conduct, the benefits and importance of workplace ethics, and the eminent ethical issues in places of work.
  • Ethical Vignette Assignment: The Case of Helpful Receptionist The case of a helpful receptionist addresses the question of whether privacy was violated when a receptionist revealed to a husband that his wife came to the counselor.
  • Ethics of Hacking and Cracking Hacking is a technical term that refers to an attempt to successfully gain unauthorized access to a computer website.
  • Kant’s Deontological Ethics in a Real-Life Example According to the principles of Kant’s deontological ethics, for actions to be morally acceptable, they need to be caused by motivations that do not contradict the moral standards.
  • For and Against Euthanasia: An Ethical Perspective The current essay discusses the argument for and against euthanasia from an ethical point of view; this medical practice is immensely contradictory.
  • Is Animal Testing Ethical: Essay Example This paper will explore the issue of experimentation on animals and a conclusion will be arrived at in the concluding part of the paper.
  • Barriers to Ethical Managerial Decision-Making This essay describes the hurdles like social and cultural system, whistle blowing, corruption, groupthink, that are being faced by the managers while making ethical-managerial decisions.
  • The Lifeboat Case as an Ethical Dilemma The Lifeboat case describes an incident where four sailors were stranded in the middle of the Atlantic. This case provides an ethical dilemma that must be examined in detail.
  • Instagram: Ethical and Legal Issues in The Content Production and Distribution Instagram’s moderators rule the process by deciding which images and videos have a right to be publicly seen, and it is unfair in terms of equity.
  • Gay Marriage and Ethical Theories Despite being supported by some ethical theories, gay marriages are not good for the marriage institution and should not be supported.
  • Apple Company’s Business Ethics This paper reviews Apple Corporation with regard to the way it handles its ethics and social responsibilities. It also looks at the role of suppliers and their effects on Apple Corporation.
  • “My Sister’s Keeper” Ethics Essay The paper outlines the plot and themes of the “My Sister’s Keeper” film and explores the key ethical issue presented in it from the standpoint of 10 different ethical theories.
  • Aristotle and Virtue Ethics Aristotle holds that virtues originate from actions that human beings perform because one can either be a good or bad person based on actions.
  • Computer Ethics and Data Protection The article provides a definition of computer ethics, as well as evaluates its importance for protecting data from malicious acts.
  • Marks & Spencer Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility This paper discusses the corporate social responsibilities as adopted at Marks and Spence; the order will focus on two main strategic issues as far as CSR is concerned
  • Honda Company’s Defective Airbags and Ethical Issues In 2015, Honda Company was fined for failing to respond to safety issues that affected its cars, which were fitted with defective airbags.
  • Ethical Egoist and Social Contract Ethicist: On Abortion An ethical egoist would support abortion because it allows the woman to decide based on self-interest as they dim best.
  • Lego Company’s Core Values and Ethical Dilemmas The main ethical dilemma that is a challenge for the Lego company is the fact that its products do not biodegrade rapidly, which has a negative environmental impact.
  • Bart’s “Ethics: The Key To Organizational Culture” Bart’s recommendation on ethics is that leadership in every organization has to define its organizational orientation that details acceptable and unacceptable behavior terms.
  • Walmart Company’s Ethical Issues Health care policy in Wal Mart is an ethical issue because it has been experiencing challenges in this sector.
  • Medical Law, Ethics and Professional Practice This article discusses ethical, legal, and professional considerations based on a briefcase study of a 67-year-old man with colorectal cancer awaiting surgery.
  • Deontological Ethics of Christianity Deontology is derived from two Greek words, “Deon”, and “logos”. It is an ethical term that applies the laid down rules to determine whether a thing is right or wrong.
  • Chernobyl Disaster and Engineering Ethics The disaster of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was the largest nuclear power accident in world history. This paper examines ethical Issues in its engineering.
  • Ethics. “The Responsible Administrator” by Cooper The paper focuses on the integration of the four components of responsible conduct to fully integrate and implement both the internal and the external controls.
  • Ethical Issues Involved in Software Project Management Ethical issues in IT have been found to greatly differ from ethics in other areas. Ethical issues in IT are mostly characterized by little.
  • Ethical Theories in a Work Environment This paper examines a scenario of unethical acts using the theory of act utilitarianism, deontological ethics, virtue ethics, and social contract.
  • Samsung and Child Labor: Business Ethics Case To make sure that no factory exploits child labor, Samsung claims to have compelled all the factories to install a hi-tech facial detection device.
  • Wiki Entry: Ethics and Social Media This paper discusses applying ethics in social media and aims to explain why there is a need for people to apply ethical principles and ideas.
  • Ethical Issues in Liebeck vs. McDonald’s Case This essay discusses the ethical issues regarding negligence and product liability that make the Ms. Liebeck vs. McDonald’s case a serious legal claim.
  • Apple Inc.: The Ethical Dilemmas Unfortunately, Apple falls short of effective ethical principles since there are some areas that need immediate attention.
  • Applying Ethical Principles in Healthcare Modern medical field requires new, high-quality ways of treating patients, considering the objective moral code.practice and help them in ethical decision-making process.
  • Cicero’s Views on Citizenship and Ethics Cicero argued that political action is the only way of putting virtue to use. However, if politics was devoid of virtue, people could not engage in analysis of the world.
  • Personal Ethical Dilemma: Adidas Case Study Business ethics considers ethical and moral principles in the context of the business environment and governs the actions and behavior of individuals in an organization.
  • How Can Business Ethics Be Improved?
  • What Is the Importance of Ethics in the Law Enforcement Organization?
  • Can Having Nuclear Weapons Be Ethical in a Global Community?
  • How Does Artificial Intelligence Relate to Ethics?
  • What Is Aristotle’s Concept of Ethics?
  • Are Classical Ethical Theories Still Relevant Today in the Works of Locke and Hume?
  • Why Is It Important for Police Officers to Have Ethics?
  • How Can Law and Ethics Conflict?
  • Does the Ethical Leadership of Supervisors Generate Internal Social Capital?
  • Are You Free and Responsible for Your Ethical Actions?
  • What Are the Two Most Important Principles in AI Ethics?
  • Is There a Relationship Between Justice Ethics and Morality?
  • What Is the Relationship Between Law and Ethics in Healthcare?
  • Can Business Ethics Exist in Today’s Business?
  • Who Created the 4 Principles of Biomedical Ethics?
  • Are Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Ethical?
  • Can Ethical Business Strategy Influence Consumers’ Buying Behavior and Loyalty?
  • Why Is Business Ethics Important in Decision Making?
  • Is a Code of Ethics Important in the Profession?
  • How Will You Apply Ethics in Your Daily Life?
  • Can Ethical Leadership Improve Employees’ Well-Being at Work?
  • Are Socially Responsible Managers Really Ethical?
  • Why Is the Ethics of Care Branded as a Feminine Morality?
  • Can Scientific Progress Destroy the Moral and Ethical Fiber of Society?
  • Does Artificial Human Cloning Challenge Ethical Boundaries?
  • The Importance of Medical Ethics Medical ethics are important because they allow them to choose their preferred treatment methods and guarantee their privacy and safety during treatment.
  • Ethical Theories for Decision-Making There are several ethical theories that provide guidelines that should be followed in the process of decision-making, such as utilitarianism, casuist, right, and deontology.
  • Ethical Decision-Making Process Three frameworks have been developed to guide people whenever engaging in the ethical decision-making processes.
  • Aristotle Theory About Euthanasia – Ethics The paper explains the virtue theory from an Aristotelian perspective and demonstrates how virtuous doctors can use the theory to judge euthanasia patients.
  • Ethical and Legal Issues of Cyberbullying This essay aims to study ethical and legal issues of cyberbullying and analyze articles devoted to the problem of the activity of criminals on the Internet.
  • Ethics, Metaphysics, and Epistemology in Philosophy Philosophy is the knowledge and understanding of the primary causes and beginnings of all things. It aims to create a picture of the world by rational means of mental activity.
  • Business Ethics and Dilemmas in the Film ‘Michael Clayton’ The movie “Michael Clayton” addresses a wide range of ethical issues faced by corporations and advocates. One of the ethical issues addressed entails the impacts of capitalism on morality.
  • Ethical Considerations of Coca-Cola Company The paper discusses why Coca-Cola has had multiple ethical problems over the last decade and what the company can do to recover its reputation.
  • The Five R’s Approach to Ethical Nursing Practice Personal and professional values influence the choices in life and nursing practice because principles are correlated with beliefs and knowledge.
  • Wirecard Ethical Case: Summary and Analysis The Wirecard ethical case involved the arrest of the company’s former CEO, who embezzled more than two billion dollars from the German company.
  • Ethics in the Modern Society Ethics was never exhaustively defined, the philosophers in all the times tried to give a clear definition to this concept and no one managed to give the universal wording.
  • Selflessness and Motivation for Ethical Behavior The paper examines how selflessness can be the solution to unethical behavior. Selflessness and motivation for ethical behavior are the key themes discussed.
  • Sears Auto Centers Case on Ethical Issues This paper aims to discuss the Sears Auto Case, define the ethical issues, and recommend changes to be made to regain customer trust.
  • Definition and Development of Marketing Ethics A scrutinize theoretical and practical dilemmas and implications happening from a distance between the locus of ethical options and the locus of the relevance of these judgments.
  • Nike’s Example of Business Ethics Good and admirable business ethics should be observed in every business, some businesses have been fined for not following their intended business ethics.
  • School Uniform and Ethical Issues This paper discusses one of the ethical issues that are particularly relevant to young people all around the world today is the presence of uniforms in schools.
  • Bidco Oil Refinery Ltd.’s Performance and Ethics The paper analyzes Bidco Oil Refinery Limited, its mission and vision, financial performance, potential acquisition, employees’ motivation, and ethical behavior.
  • Ethical and Legal Considerations in Psychological Assessment Psychological assessment of people in the workplace allows employers to increase productivity and income. Personality testing helps employees choose a career path.
  • Netflix: The Ethical Standards Netflix is ​​ideally suited to the requirements of modern society, meeting moral and ethical expectations. One of the main advantages is maintaining an impeccable reputation.
  • Ethical Implications of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace The paper will analyze the ethical implications of sexual harassment in the workplace because employees’ behavior reflects a company’s values.
  • Human Trafficking: Ethical Issues Human trafficking is mainly regarded as a crime when deontological perspective or social contract and utilitarian theories are applied.
  • Case of the Killer Robot: Ethical and Legal Issues This paper is to assess the stakeholders’ points of view, facts, ethical and legal norms related to the Case of the Killer Robot, and the possible options for its resolution.
  • Nestlé Animal Testing and Business Ethics Business organizations should embrace the best ethical practices. The essay gives a detailed analysis of the ethical issues arising from Nestle’s animal testing practices.
  • The Boeing-737 Ethical Problems and Solutions The key focus of the given paper will be the Boeing – 737 MAX-8 Jet death crashes. Shortcomings in the company’s internal policies and lessons learned are illustrated.
  • Deontological Ethics and Principles for Parenting Deontology is an ethical science based on the teaching of moral issues. The focus of deontological ethics is on duties and obligations to be followed.
  • Cultural Anthropology: Methods and Ethics Cultural anthropology is the study of living people, their societies, and their culture. Anthropological research project explores the cultural patterns of specific social group.
  • Ethics and Globalization in Business A business will only manage to keep up its reputation if it recognizes the established business ethics in its environment. Every firm must follow to the letter the code of conduct.
  • Steve Jobs and Ethical Philosophical Explanations Several philosophical theories have been created to explain the whole concept of ethics. This paper discusses some of these models and how they reflected on Steve Job’s life.
  • Gordon Graham’s “Eight Theories of Ethics” This paper summarizes Chapter 9 of Graham’s book “Eight theories of Ethics”, which examines the religious perspectives, knowledge of good and evil, and the purpose of life.
  • Pre-Natal Sex Determination and Ethical Issues There should be an ethical consideration of all scientific commercial usage and prenatal sex determination should be a serious part of this ethical measure.
  • Ethical Behavior: Human Strengths and Weaknesses Good people could do mischievous things for several reasons. For instance, when in dilemma and a person in authority asks them to do otherwise.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Ethical, Social, Legal Issues The field of artificial intelligence indeed brings numerous ethical, social, professional and legal issues; but are those so disturbing as some people claim?
  • Ethical and Legal Challenges at Activision Blizzard The paper analyzes Activision Blizzard. It is a notable video game company that has encountered ethical and legal challenges that undermine its reputation.
  • Thalidomide and Its History as an Ethical Issue Not only did thalidomide change the life of people, but it enforced strict regulations for approving new drugs that have remained in effect today.
  • Ethical Leadership Virtues Questionnaire The Leadership Virtues Questionnaire promotes ethical leadership by measuring the four virtues to ensure leaders develop the required behavior.
  • Engineering Ethics: Creative Middle Ground Approach The current paper discusses the codes of ethics for engineering. It states that the safety and health of the public must be maintained.
  • Ethical Use of Power, Influence, and Politics to Get a Promotion In the competitive job market, most view politics, influence, and power a negative but people have to learn how to apply the concepts ethically in our workplaces to achieve goals.
  • Computer Ethics and Privacy Computer ethics involves ways upon which ethical traditions as well as customs are tested. Computers brought about enhanced power of communication together with data manipulation.
  • Social, Legal, And Ethical Issues in the Modern Database Era In the past two decades, database-relevant issues have become intense, considering the all-penetrating nature of the data collection.
  • Apple Inc.’s Corporate Strategy and Global Ethics Apple Inc. is one of the leaders in the sphere of personal computers and other electronic devices globally. The company was established in California in 1977.
  • Nightingale Pledge: Medical Ethics Perspectives The Nightingale pledge was developed as an oath students graduating from the Farrand Training School for Nurses. The pledge was created in 1893 and revised in 1935 to improve its scope.
  • Political, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Business Businesses, politics, legality, and ethics are interconnected phenomena. The existing political, legal, and ethical issues impact companies’ business operations differently.
  • Environmental Ethics in Oryx and Crake by Atwood The central narrative line in Margaret Atwood’s dystopian tragedy Oryx and Crake is built around the story of a man named Snowman.
  • Ethical Issues of Geographic Information Systems Ethics is a major component of critical GIS concepts, which holds that social theory should affect how GIS is used, as the wrong use of technology may violate ethical principles.
  • Medication Errors: Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing The nursing profession should underscore the impact of medication errors and train all stakeholders as a means of eliminating the frailty.
  • Applying Ethical Principles: Ethical Problems in Nursing Management Analyzing ethical issues that healthcare professionals face requires adhering to relevant approaches and models to find adequate solutions.
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice The society being the centerpiece of a civilization must have its own regulations and standards that create order and stability, governed by morals and obligations.
  • Ethics in Evidence-Based Practice As the concept of evidence-based practice develops, the method begins distinguishing itself from other similar practices such as clinical research.
  • Body Modifications: Reasons, Consequences, Ethical Issues This paper describes possible reasons why people decide to transform their bodies, the consequences of such changes, as well as underlying ethical and other issues that affect this problem.
  • Deontology and Ethical Relativism in “The Founder” Film The essay aims to review the movie The Founder, starring Michael Keaton, from the perspective of ethical theories: deontology and ethical relativism.
  • Hospitality Industry: The Role of Ethics Ethics and ethical behavior are important in the hospitality industry. The industry involves interactions of people from different backgrounds and varied intentions.
  • Examples of Ethical and Unethical Leadership in History One of the most relevant areas in modern social sciences has become theoretical and practical research into the phenomenon of leadership.
  • The Amazon Company’s Ethics in Advertising This paper discusses Amazon’s approach to customer data collection, the lack of transparency in data management, and the controversies surrounding Amazon’s use of monetization.
  • Police Professionalism and Ethics of Policing Accountability must persist given the discriminatory patterns among officers, who should be allowed room to improve as long as their good faith can be observed.
  • Ethical Responsibilities to Children The article argues laws regarding equality and non-discrimination can help child care and education professionals act ethically.
  • The Role of Ethical Decision-Making in Business Ethical dilemmas constantly occur in organizations and workplaces regardless of the industry and the size of an organization.
  • Ethics of Removal of Children From Their Home This paper investigates the causes behind the ethical issue of removing children from their homes and ongoing protocols.
  • Business Ethics Concerns: State Farm Insurance Company The purpose of this research paper will be to discuss an ethical issues and how they affect business relations.
  • Ethics in Nursing Overview and Analysis Nursing ethics are truly essential in making the right, responsible and literate decisions, and professional development.
  • Case Study of Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative The principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence are the core of medical practice. God mentors his followers to put the well-being of others first and love one’s neighbor.
  • Aristotle’s Teleological Understanding of Ethics as Virtue in Modern Society The described reasoning concerning Aristotle’s teleological understanding of ethics can be seen as a sensible platform for decision-making in the modern context.
  • Virtue Ethics in Stanford and Milgram’s Experiments This paper investigates the notion of virtue ethics, discussing two major studies, the Stanford prison experiment, and Milgram’s obedience studies.
  • Informatics Ethical Principles: Nursing Organizations This paper seeks to carry out an assessment of the various ethical principles applicable to nursing and non-nursing organizations before identifying the advantages and disadvantages in each case.
  • Terri Schiavo Medical Ethics Case The case of Terri Schiavo raised major medical, legal and ethical issues in history. Most importantly, it brought about the relevance of individual autonomy and liberty interests.
  • The Trolley Problem and Ethical Theories Moral dilemmas and questions are something that individuals face daily. In cases with a clear answer, most people will follow their code of ethics without giving it much thought.
  • Organizational Ethical Dilemmas, as Portrayed in “Snowden” Edward Snowden is portrayed in the 2016 film Snowden as a victim of multiple ethical issues. The problem of the whistleblower is the ethical difficulty.
  • Globalization and Its Ethical Implications The paper states that the negative implications of globalization result in ethical dilemmas as people with diverse backgrounds participate in world development.
  • The Trolley Problem Scenarios & Ethical Dilemmas When faced with trolley problem scenarios, one’s decision will be significantly influenced by the ethical theory of utilitarianism.
  • Professional Platform for Ethics and Leadership Professionals working in the healthcare industry, including clinicians, nurses, and managers, must implement a certain set of personal skills to ensure positive patient outcomes.
  • Globalization and Technology Impacts on Ethics The evaluation will center on analyzing how technology and globalization have contributed to the spread of poverty in third-world nations, violated individuals’ rights to privacy.
  • Rawls’ Social Contract Theory and Software Engineering Ethics John Rawls defined the characteristics of a just society through his social contract theory. Rawls’ social contract theory relates to the ethics of software engineering.
  • Teleological and Deontological Ethical Models For centuries modern philosophy has been discussing the possibility of applying two models or approaches to the problem of ethics.
  • Ethics, Truth, and Reason in Eight Theories of Ethics by Graham The concept of morality has always been considered subjective, as there are no specific rules regarding truth or falsehood in ethical considerations.
  • Examples of Legal and Ethical Conduct Legal behavior refers to actions and decisions that conform to the general laws or regulations prescribed by the government.
  • Ethics vs. The Law: Main Conflicts Ethics is a philosophical branch that defines what is right and what is wrong concerning the actions of people, as well as the decisions they make.
  • Nursing and Health Care Informatics Ethics and the Law The use of health information technology has resulted in many ethical and legal issues as a result of unauthorized access to patients’ health information.
  • The Ethical Principles in Nursing Research Carrying out a nursing research presupposes managing a huge set of responsibilities, the safety of the research subjects being the key one.
  • Warren Buffet and Bernie Madoff Ethics Case Analysis The major aspect of financial relationships is trust, yet Madoff’s case demonstrates that even an investor with a solid reputation can deceive their clients and betray their faith.
  • The Poverty as an Ethical Issue Looking at poverty as an ethical issue, we have to consider the fact that there are people who control resource distribution, which then leads to wealth or poverty in a community.
  • The Ethics of Performance Evaluation in Organizations In evaluation, there must be legal and ethical values that govern the process to eliminate any potential exploitation or double standards.
  • Ethical Consideration in Group Counseling Group counseling is whereby a small number of people come together with an aim of sharing experiences, having certain, precise goals, and providing emotional support to each other.
  • Federal Express Corporation’s Ethical Perspective The paper examines the recent issues that are related to FedEx ethics to understand the progress the company made to ensure the highest ethical standards.
  • Personal Ethics Statement, Goals and Moral Principles A personal ethics statement gives an opportunity for a person to be in a position to state and clarify one’s goals and moral principles.
  • Nursing Ethics in “Invisible Patients” Documentary Invisible Patients is a documentary that describes the work of a nurse practitioner who helps the most vulnerable patients to live and struggle with their illnesses.
  • Personal and Professional Ethics in Psychology Understanding the personal ethical perspective and its relationship to professional ethics is of utmost importance in the field of psychology.
  • The Ethical Considerations of the Rana Plaza Collapse The current paper investigates the ethical considerations, implications, and possible prevention strategies of the Rana Plaza collapse.
  • Code of Ethics in Food Tracks Business A transformation in the way that food is prepared and enjoyed can be seen in the vast development in the prominence of food trucks.
  • Researching: Ethics and Engineering The penetration of social media in electrical engineering cannot be overlooked because it emphasizes the need for an ethical code of conduct that is not limited to technical practice
  • Weber’s Protestant Ethic and Marxist Critique In his work “Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism”, Weber underlines the power of religious and economic ideas to explain the possibility of capitalism in society.
  • Traditional Kantianism and Its Relation to Software Engineering Ethics The first and second principles of software engineering ethics represent the first formulation of the ethical theory of Kantianism as they call to act in the best interests.
  • Primark Company Supplying Consumers with Ethically Sourced Garments The report presented to the management panel elaborates how the Primark Company has been sourcing the garments through ethical means and fair cost.
  • Case Study of Columbia: HCA Hospital Business Ethics As a process of developing ethical culture, Columbia / HCA desisted from lobbying activities and hence it was removed from “Hall of Shames” by INFACT.
  • Business Ethics: Abercrombie & Fitch Company Case Abercrombie & Fitch strived to maintain the image of the white American authenticity. This forced the company to employ most whites in positions of the public service and influence.
  • Protestant Work Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism The content concept covers economics, sociology and history and is based on the notion that hard work is a necessary requisite for fulfillment of an individual’s personal calling on earth.
  • Cloning Moral and Ethical Issues Creating humans or other living beings by utilizing cloning methods is unethical. Overwhelming scientific evidence suggests that such techniques are not safe.
  • Environmental Ethical Issues: History, Current Events, and Significance Environmental ethics exerts its influence on several disciplines such as sociology, law, theology, economics, geography and ecology.
  • Comparison of Three Codes of Ethics The process of designing the professional codes of ethics is being increasing affected by a number of clearly pragmatist considerations, on the part of those entrusted with the task.
  • Ethical Issues in Information Technology IT ethics may be defined as an analysis of the impact of information technology on the profession and society at large.
  • Microsoft Company’s Marketing Ethics Microsoft is an example of an ethical business because it enhances responsibility, commitment through a network of partners like businesses, nonprofits, and governments.
  • Apple Corporation Ethical and Social Responsibility The report aims at finding out whether practicing strong business ethics and good corporate social responsibility has an impact on the operations of Apple.
  • Kant’s Deontological Ethical Theory Immanuel Kant’ deontological ethics perceives morality as an inherent attribute of an action, which contrasts with teleological ethics that perceivethe morality from the consequences of actions.
  • Ethical Analysis of the Bakun Dam Project The ethical analysis of the Bakun Dam Project, which began to mitigate the rising electricity demand, measures its advantages against disadvantages.
  • The Christian Leadership, Stewardship, and Ethics Christian leaders realize that they have a great responsibility to lead people where God directs, and therefore they make every effort to follow Him in the first place.
  • Public Administration and Ethics The paper discusses the connection between ethics and public administrators and explores the role of reform in the context of ethics.
  • Aspects of Pepsico and Utilitarian Ethics PepsiCo has included various ethical principles in its business strategy. Its ethical methods assist the local areas, personnel, as well as its consumers.
  • Ethical Decision Problem: What Ought I to Do? Every day a person has to choose from a variety of options. Some of them might be right, and some might be wrong. The word ‘ought’ is very important in the field of ethics.
  • Ethical and Policy Factors in Care Coordination This paper explores ethics in practicing health care in nursing homes and policy issues that affect care coordination in these facilities.
  • Nursing and its Ethical Issues: End-of-Life Care This essay explores the question of end-of-life care by underscoring how nurses should handle the issue without breaking the law or becoming unethical in their practice.
  • Ethical Issues of Conducting a Program Evaluation Several ethical issues confront anyone conducting a program evaluation, they arise out of the actual process of doing the evaluation.
  • Ethical Decision Making in Nursing Nursing practice is associated with the need to make evidence-based ethical decisions that may have diverse effects on patients, nurses’ colleagues, and their healthcare facilities
  • Total Quality Management and Business Ethics Total quality management and business excellence “is the culture of an organization committed to customer satisfaction through continuous improvement”.
  • Ethical Issues in CCTV and Biometrics Technologies The paper reviews the effectiveness of the technologies and addresses ethical issues involved in the use of CCTV, fingerprints, and DNA in Crime prevention.
  • Ethical Issues in “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a comprehensive blend of ethical and moral aspects that were not scrutinized during the period between 1940 and 1950.
  • Apple’s Reputation Regarding Ethical and Social Responsibility Legal experts may argue that Apple has no direct responsibility for their suppliers’ possible ethical misconduct and non-compliance.
  • Ethical Lens Inventory: Personal Ethical Principles and Values Eligion probably instilled in me the tendency to overemphasize right and wrong and this may have made me too over-reliant on such an ethical system.
  • Ethical Issue in Global and Local Marketing Due to the impact of globalization the marketers and businesses are faced with the ever increasing ethical issues in cross cultural setting.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility & Business Ethics Ethical and legal compliance of organizations are inseparable, and they provide significant advantages for businesses.
  • Uber Company’s Ethical Business Practices The paper examines Uber business practices and provides a report on the ethical conduct of former CEO Travis Kalanick in his daily work activities.
  • Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing While legislation is crucial in nurses’ practice, communication is vital for both providing a rewarding working environment and ensuring patients’ welfare.
  • Theories of Ethics: Consequentialism and Ethical Relativism The ethical relativism and consequentialism schools of thought highlight the basis upon which decisions can be made when face with ethical dilemmas that require moral solutions.
  • Patient Confidentiality – Medical Ethics
  • British Petroleum: Corruption Involving Ethics
  • Ethical Issues in Participatory Action Research
  • Ethical Considerations and Counseling Skills in Therapy
  • Journalistic Ethics in the Digital Age
  • Ethical Frameworks and Their Main Categories
  • The J&J Firm’s Ethical and Socially Responsible Behavior
  • Ethical Issues in Health and Wellness Coaching
  • Social Media Influence, Ethics, and Privacy Issues
  • Ethical Issues in Medical Social Work
  • A Discussion Board Post on Nursing Values and Ethics
  • Ethical Issue in the Workplace: Case Study
  • Christian’s Role in Ethical Research
  • Professional Ethics in Logistics
  • Dentistry: Code of Ethics and Professionalism
  • Ethical Considerations in Medical Imaging
  • Ethical Principles: The Principle of Double Effect
  • Advertising Ethics: Truth in Commercials
  • Ethical and Legal Issues in Education
  • Cultural Appropriation and Its Ethics
  • Ethics in International Affairs
  • Enron’s Corporate Culture and Ethics Failure
  • Online Counseling: Ethical and Legal Issues
  • Ethical and Cultural Issues in Group Work
  • Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research
  • Ethical Reasoning in the Boeing 737 Max Fraud
  • Courage vs. Recklessness: Morality and Ethics
  • Ethical Leadership and Social Learning Theory
  • Elections an the Role of Ethical Behavior
  • Anand Vaidya on Ethical Theory in Business
  • New Ethical Concerns in Online Privacy and Data Security
  • Kant’s Deontological Ethical Theory and Policing Ethical Practices
  • Kant’s Ethical Philosophy and Milgram’s Experiments
  • DNR Orders and Ethics in Medical Decision-Making
  • A Personal Code of Ethics
  • Contract Managers’ Code of Ethics in Acquisition
  • Ethical Values in Artifacts: Hacksaw Ridge
  • Importance of Code of Ethics
  • The Ethical Issues in Business
  • Compliance vs. Ethics Comparison
  • The Ethics of Organ Donation
  • Nursing Code and Ethical Practices
  • Odysseus Personality in Terms of Aristotle’s Ethics
  • Deontological Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • Ethical Issues in Hiring Process
  • Ethics in Advertising: The Importance and Benefits
  • American Psychological Association Code of Ethics
  • Obscenity and Computer Ethics
  • The Significance of the Ethical Pillars of Jainism
  • Nonconsequential Theory of Ethics: Case Analysis
  • Deontological and Consequential Ethical Conflict
  • Helping Others: Examining an Ethical Dilemma
  • Alcohol Drinking and Ethical Decision-Making
  • The Space Shuttle Challenger Engineering Ethics
  • Health Promotion and Ethical Considerations
  • Kant’s and Mill’s Ethical Philosophies
  • Chevron Company Ethical Analysis
  • Ethics of Working Environment
  • The Effect of Business Ethics on the Customer Service Sector
  • Kantian Ethics Case Application
  • Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Leadership
  • Maintaining Confidentiality and Ethical Decision-Making in Counseling
  • Virtue Ethics and Education: Can We Teach Character?
  • The Views of Ethical Theorists: Immanuel Kant and Peter Singer
  • Philosopher Values & Ethics Template
  • Security Goals, Threats, Safeguards, and Ethical Use
  • American Apparel: The Ethical Conflicts
  • Climate Change as an Ethical Issue
  • Ethical Analysis of the Awakenings Film
  • Social Media: The Role of Cyber-Ethics
  • Ethical Behavior at the Workplace
  • Advertising: Ethical Theory and Business
  • Nike Inc.’s Structure, Performance, and Ethics
  • Wells Fargo: The Ethical Issues
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare
  • Accusations of Breach of Code of Ethics: Memo
  • E-Bay Code of Ethics and Its Main Points
  • The “Lifeboat Ethics” Article by Garret Hardin
  • Ethics of Infidelity and Cheating in Relationships
  • Ethics in The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald
  • Computer Ethics: Information Technology Ethics
  • Rule of Law and Ethics and International Marketing
  • Ethical Theories in Law Enforcement Practice
  • Regulation, Accreditation, and Ethics in Health Care
  • Seeking Promotion: The Ethical Use of Power, Influence, and Politics
  • Artificial Intelligence Bias and Ethical Algorithms
  • Business Ethics and Its Evolution
  • Ethical Challenges for the Finance Manager: Case Study
  • Nursing Ethics: Reflection on the Survey
  • Volkswagen’s Diesel Fraud: Ethical Behaviour and Decision Making in the Workplace
  • Wells Fargo Applies Ethical Decision-Making Model
  • Theories in Ethics and Criminal Justice
  • Discourse Ethics and the Disadvantages of Fair Argumentation
  • Ethics in the American National Red Cross
  • Ethical Considerations in “Little White Lie” by Mandefro
  • Ethics in the Healthcare Industry: Armando Dimas’ Case
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StudyCorgi . "617 Ethics Essay Topics & Examples." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/ethics-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "617 Ethics Essay Topics & Examples." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/ethics-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Ethics were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 22, 2024 .

Ethics Research Paper Topics

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This page provides a comprehensive list of ethics research paper topics , aiming to guide students through the intricate labyrinth of moral and ethical discussions. Curated meticulously by iResearchNet, the guide not only presents diverse topics across various ethical domains but also imparts invaluable insights on choosing the ideal topic and formulating a compelling research paper. For both newcomers and those well-acquainted with ethics research, this resource stands as a beacon, illuminating the path to academic success.

100 Ethics Research Paper Topics

The vast field of ethics, deeply intertwined with the human experience, requires continual exploration and understanding. For students embarking on academic pursuits, identifying the right ethics research paper topics becomes paramount. Not only does it set the stage for meaningful inquiry, but it also determines the depth and breadth of the discourse. The study of ethics challenges individuals to dissect, question, and offer insights into the moral compass that guides societies. This extensive list has been curated to provide students with a wide array of ethics research paper topics, covering various domains, each reflecting the multi-faceted nature of ethical discussions.

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1. Medical Ethics :

  • Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Reproductive Rights
  • Medical Data Privacy
  • Informed Consent
  • Healthcare Resource Allocation
  • Research on Vulnerable Groups
  • Organ Donation Ethics
  • Mental Health Ethics
  • Medical Tourism

2. Business Ethics :

  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Whistleblowing
  • Employee Rights
  • Ethical Advertising
  • Insider Trading
  • Sustainability in Business
  • Supply Chain Ethics
  • Consumer Rights
  • Business in Conflict Zones
  • Cultural Appropriation in Business

3. Environmental Ethics :

  • Conservation vs. Industrialization
  • Animal Rights & Welfare
  • Climate Change Morality
  • Genetic Modification of Crops
  • Resource Depletion
  • Ecotourism Ethics
  • Pollution & Accountability
  • Water Rights & Access
  • Biodiversity Ethics
  • Ethical Consumerism

4. Technological Ethics :

  • AI & Machine Learning Ethics
  • Digital Privacy
  • Cybersecurity Ethics
  • Bioengineering Ethics
  • Technology & Mental Health
  • Digital Addiction
  • Tech Industry Labor Ethics
  • Automation & Job Ethics
  • Virtual Reality Morality
  • Technology in Education Ethics

5. Digital & Media Ethics :

  • Misinformation & Fake News
  • Digital Censorship & Freedom of Speech
  • Representation in Media
  • Digital Influencers & Ethics
  • Intellectual Property in the Digital Age
  • Ethical Journalism in Conflict Zones
  • Social Media & Privacy Concerns
  • Ethics of Digital Activism
  • Gaming Industry Ethics
  • Media Consumption & Mental Health

6. Social & Cultural Ethics :

  • Gender Equality & Women’s Rights
  • Racism & Discrimination
  • LGBTQ+ Rights & Representation
  • Immigration & Refugee Ethics
  • Multiculturalism & Assimilation
  • Religious Tolerance & Freedom
  • Indigenous Rights & Representation
  • Social Welfare System Ethics
  • Income Inequality & Wealth Distribution
  • Child Rights & Protection

7. Educational Ethics :

  • Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
  • Equal Access to Quality Education
  • Standardized Testing & Ethics
  • Educator-Student Relationship Boundaries
  • Curriculum Bias & Representation
  • Special Needs Education Ethics
  • Tuition Fees & Student Debt
  • Technology in Classroom Ethics
  • Bilingual Education Ethics
  • Ethics of School Discipline & Punishments

8. Political & Governance Ethics :

  • Campaign Financing & Lobbying
  • Voter Rights & Suppression
  • Ethical Governance & Corruption
  • Surveillance & Citizen Privacy
  • International Diplomacy Ethics
  • War, Peacekeeping & Military Ethics
  • Human Rights & Global Governance
  • Ethics of Sanctions & Economic Pressure
  • Political Propaganda & Manipulation
  • Whistleblowing in Government

9. Sports & Recreation Ethics :

  • Doping & Performance Enhancing Drugs
  • Athlete Welfare & Rights
  • Gender & Sports: Equal Representation
  • Commercialization & Sport Sponsorships
  • eSports & Digital Gaming Ethics
  • Youth Sports & Pressure
  • Olympic Games & Politics
  • Fan Behavior & Hooliganism
  • Sports Journalism & Representation
  • Ethics of Sports Betting & Gambling

10. Art & Aesthetics Ethics :

  • Art Censorship & Freedom of Expression
  • Representation & Diversity in Art
  • Art & Cultural Appropriation
  • Ethics of Art Restoration & Preservation
  • Digital Art & Intellectual Property
  • Ethics of Art Criticism
  • Art in Public Spaces & Community
  • Funding & Sponsorship in the Arts
  • Technology & Art Fusion Ethics
  • Art as Activism & Political Expression

Within the broad spectrum of ethics research paper topics, lie endless opportunities to engage with pressing questions, challenge established norms, and contribute to the evolving ethical paradigms of the 21st century. As society grapples with new technologies, shifting global dynamics, and unprecedented challenges, the importance of ethical exploration cannot be overstated. We invite every student to dive deep into this list, to find their niche within the vast expanse of ethical topics. By selecting the right ethics research paper topics, they can position themselves at the forefront of dialogues that have the power to reshape our world’s moral landscape.

Browse More Ethics Research Paper Topics:

  • Applied Ethics
  • Care Ethics
  • Comparative Ethics
  • Descriptive Ethics
  • Evolutionary Ethics
  • Feminist Ethics
  • Meta-Ethics
  • Normative Ethics
  • Professional Ethics
  • Religious Ethics

The Range of Ethics Research Paper Topics

Introduction to Ethics as a Discipline At the heart of human existence lies the perennial question: What ought we to do? Ethics, a sophisticated branch of philosophy, is dedicated to answering this question, probing deep into the realms of right and wrong, duty, and responsibility. As societies, technologies, and cultures evolve, the exploration of ethical tenets has expanded, encompassing various domains and scenarios, from everyday life choices to complex geopolitical decisions.

Historical Context of Ethics Tracing back to antiquity, the ethical compass was set by seminal thinkers. Ancient Greeks, through the philosophical musings of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, dissected concepts of virtue, the purpose of life, and societal duties. Concurrently, in the East, doctrines of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Hinduism were offering profound insights into ethical living, highlighting righteousness, duty, and the cosmic order. These foundational thoughts provided the architecture for successive generations to build upon, creating a rich tapestry of ethical frameworks.

Evolution of Ethical Considerations The journey from medieval to modern times witnessed a fascinating evolution of ethics. The Middle Ages were dominated by religious ethics, where moral codes were often derived from religious scriptures and divine interventions. Philosophers like Thomas Aquinas sought to reconcile reason with faith. The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods championed human reason, leading to secular ethical theories. Thinkers like Immanuel Kant, Jeremy Bentham, and John Stuart Mill introduced deontological and utilitarian perspectives, respectively. Fast-forwarding to the contemporary era, we’re in an age that grapples with challenges birthed by rapid technological advancements, sociopolitical changes, and a globalized world, each demanding nuanced ethical considerations.

Diverse Areas of Study within Ethics Ethics now sprawls across various disciplines, each reflecting the pressing concerns of the age. Medical ethics, for instance, navigates the intricate maze of patient rights, bioengineering, and health equity. Business ethics is centered around corporate governance, sustainability, consumer rights, and corporate social responsibilities. Environmental ethics is a testimony to our growing realization of Earth’s fragility, prompting discourses on conservation, animal rights, and sustainable development. These subdivisions elucidate the vastness and depth of the ethical universe, emphasizing its applicability in multifarious sectors.

Relevance in Today’s Interconnected World Today, the tapestry of global interconnectivity has heightened the importance of ethical considerations. Information dissemination is rapid; societies are interwoven in complex ways, where a decision in one corner of the world can reverberate globally. This hyperconnected ecosystem underscores the pivotal role of ethics, be it in global trade, international diplomacy, technological advancements, or individual behavioral patterns.

Case Studies Illustrating Depth and Breadth of Ethical Inquiries :

  • The Trolley Problem : Delving beyond its elementary rendition, it spawns intricate debates on individual vs. collective good, direct vs. indirect harm, and the essence of moral decisions.
  • Facebook-Cambridge Analytica Scandal : This case becomes a lens to inspect broader issues: the sanctity of individual data, the ethics of persuasion, and the overarching responsibilities of digital behemoths.
  • Fast Fashion Dilemmas : Beyond the immediate issues of labor rights and sustainability, it beckons discussions on consumerism, cultural commodification, and the ethics of globalization.
  • Gene Editing and CRISPR : A groundbreaking technology that calls into question the ethics of playing ‘God’, altering genetic codes, potential misuse, and the overarching implications for humanity’s evolution.
  • Refugee Crisis : An intersection of geopolitical maneuvers, human rights, nationalism vs. globalism, and the ethical responsibilities of nations and individuals.

The Global Impact of Ethics Research Ethical research isn’t a mere academic endeavor; its ramifications ripple through the global fabric. Policies, laws, international treaties, corporate strategies, and even grassroots movements are often anchored in rigorous ethical discussions. For instance, international climate accords are informed by environmental ethics, dictating the shared responsibilities of nations. Similarly, discussions on data privacy regulations are imbued with digital ethics, reflecting the collective consensus on individual rights in the digital age.

Conclusion Stressed on the Limitless Possibilities of Research in Ethics Ethics, with its expansive history and multifaceted nature, continues to be a beacon, illuminating the intricacies of human actions and intentions. The extensive array of “ethics research paper topics” is testament to its sprawling scope, touching upon nearly every facet of human existence. As we stand at the precipice of monumental global changes, the canvas of ethical research beckons scholars, students, and thinkers to engage, question, and sculpt the moral landscape of the future. With every ethical inquiry, we edge closer to understanding the complexities of the human psyche, societal constructs, and the broader universe, unveiling limitless possibilities.

How to Choose Ethics Research Paper Topics

Embarking on a scholarly voyage begins with a crucial decision – choosing the right topic. In the vast domain of academic research, the topic serves as the foundation stone, shaping the trajectory of the entire study. Especially when navigating the intricate waters of “ethics research paper topics,” this choice is paramount. A judiciously chosen topic can serve as a mirror, reflecting societal concerns, personal beliefs, and scholarly gaps, ensuring the research not only informs but also inspires.

  • Align with Personal Interest : Your passion becomes the heartbeat of your research. When selecting among various ethics research paper topics, gravitate towards those that genuinely intrigue you. An authentic interest will sustain your enthusiasm throughout the research process, making challenges more surmountable and discoveries more exhilarating. Remember, when you’re invested emotionally and intellectually, your writing exudes a palpable fervor that resonates with readers.
  • Consider Societal Relevance : The rapidly changing societal landscape constantly births new ethical dilemmas. Aim for topics that are at the forefront of current debates, as they will be both timely and impactful. Such topics will also allow you to contribute constructively to real-world discussions, ensuring your research isn’t just an academic exercise but a tool for societal introspection.
  • Assess Available Resources : Before finalizing a topic, gauge the availability of research materials. Whether it’s online databases, libraries, or expert interviews, a robust collection of resources will be instrumental. A topic with abundant scholarly materials offers a richer backdrop against which you can position your arguments.
  • Seek Feedback : Engage in preliminary discussions about potential topics with peers, mentors, or professionals in the ethics arena. Their feedback can offer fresh perspectives, highlight overlooked challenges, and even introduce you to invaluable resources. This collaborative approach can fine-tune your choice, ensuring it’s well-rounded and robust.
  • Evaluate Scope : In the vast ocean of ethics research paper topics, it’s easy to either drown in overly broad topics or find oneself restricted in extremely niche areas. A well-defined scope ensures your research remains focused yet comprehensive. Consider drafting preliminary research questions to test the waters; if you find them too vast or too constrained, it might be time to recalibrate.
  • Anticipate Challenges : Each topic brings its unique set of challenges. From counterarguments and controversial perspectives to gaps in existing literature, anticipating these hurdles equips you for a smoother research journey. Strategizing in advance can help mitigate potential roadblocks, ensuring your research remains on track.
  • Cross-disciplinary Potential : Some of the most enriching ethics research paper topics are those that straddle multiple disciplines. Consider topics that interweave ethics with fields like technology, biology, sociology, or law. Such intersections can offer multifaceted insights, elevate your research’s depth, and cater to a more diverse readership.
  • Originality Counts : While established topics offer the comfort of abundant resources, there’s undeniable merit in exploring uncharted territories. Whether it’s introducing a novel perspective to a known issue or probing a relatively untouched area, originality can significantly elevate your research’s value.
  • Ethical Implications : Being in the realm of ethics, it’s paramount to introspect on the moral ramifications of your chosen topic. Will it spark meaningful discourse? Will it challenge established beliefs or reinforce them? Ensure that your topic is not just analytically sound but also ethically potent.
  • Future Potential : A hallmark of impactful research is its potential to birth further studies. As you sift through ethics research paper topics, reflect on their prospective contributions. Can your topic pave the way for subsequent research? Can it evolve with changing societal dynamics? A topic with longevity ensures your research remains relevant beyond its immediate publication.

The odyssey of crafting a research paper is both challenging and rewarding, with the initial choice of topic setting the stage for what follows. While there’s a myriad of “ethics research paper topics” to delve into, ensuring alignment with personal interest, societal relevance, and scholarly depth can transform your research from mundane to monumental. As budding scholars, harnessing the power of a well-chosen topic is the first step in leaving an indelible imprint in the annals of academic and societal discourse.

How to Write an Ethics Research Paper

Writing an ethics research paper is an intricate blend of philosophy, societal observations, and rigorous academic inquiry. Unlike many other disciplines where facts and figures predominantly steer the content, ethics brings in the added layer of moral scrutiny and philosophical debate. Thus, crafting a paper in this domain demands not only academic rigor but also a thoughtful understanding of the ever-evolving moral compass of society.

  • Start with a Strong Thesis : The thesis is the linchpin of your research, offering readers a concise insight into your central argument. Given the philosophical nature of ethics, it’s paramount to ensure that your thesis is both precise and thought-provoking. It should be a reflection of your stance while being open to interrogation.
  • Ensure Unbiased Representation : Ethical discussions often tread on contentious grounds. While you’ll have your perspective, it’s crucial to present all sides of an argument fairly. This ensures the paper doesn’t become a personal opinion piece but stands as an unbiased academic exploration.
  • Incorporate Varied Philosophical Perspectives : Ethics has been debated for millennia, with various philosophical theories emerging over time. Draw from these diverse traditions – be it utilitarianism, deontological ethics, virtue ethics, or others – to enrich your paper’s theoretical foundation.
  • Engage with Contemporary Issues : While ethical principles might be timeless, their applications evolve with societal changes. Anchor your paper in contemporary scenarios, drawing parallels or distinctions between age-old principles and modern-day dilemmas.
  • Prioritize Depth Over Breadth : Given the vast expanse of ethical debates, it’s tempting to touch upon multiple issues. However, a focused deep dive into one specific issue often yields more scholarly rewards than a superficial sweep across several.
  • Cite Reliable Sources : Establish the credibility of your arguments by leaning on reputable sources. Whether you’re quoting ancient philosophers or referencing modern ethicists, ensure your sources are authoritative and relevant.
  • Interact with Counterarguments : A well-rounded ethics research paper doesn’t shy away from counterarguments. Instead, it actively engages with them, dissecting their logic and either refuting or integrating their insights. This not only strengthens your primary argument but also showcases a holistic understanding of the topic.
  • Maintain a Logical Flow : The nature of ethical discussions can be abstract. Hence, maintaining a clear and logical flow in your paper is vital. Each section should seamlessly lead to the next, with clear transitions ensuring the reader remains engaged and oriented throughout.
  • Seek Peer Reviews : Given the subjective nature of ethics, obtaining feedback from peers or mentors can be invaluable. They might offer alternative interpretations, point out potential biases, or suggest additional resources to bolster your arguments.
  • Conclude with Future Implications : Round off your paper by discussing the potential implications of your findings. How might they influence future ethical debates, policy decisions, or societal behaviors? This not only adds relevance to your research but also underscores its significance in the broader ethical discourse.

Embarking on the journey of writing an ethics research paper is a commendable endeavor. It’s a pursuit that demands meticulous research, unbiased representation, and deep philosophical introspection. While the path might be laden with challenges, the rewards – in the form of enriched understandings, ignited debates, and potential societal impacts – are profound. As scholars delving into the realm of ethics, let’s strive to craft papers that not only dissect ethical quandaries but also illuminate paths towards a more reflective and just society.

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  • Expert Degree-Holding Writers : At the heart of iResearchNet is a team of seasoned writers, each holding advanced degrees from reputed institutions. Their profound academic backgrounds ensure that your research paper benefits from both depth and expertise.
  • Custom Written Works : Every ethical dilemma, every academic requirement is unique. Respecting this uniqueness, our services prioritize custom-written works, ensuring your paper is original, relevant, and perfectly tailored to your needs.
  • In-depth Research : The strength of an ethics research paper lies in its foundational research. Our writers delve deep, exploring varied resources, to ensure your paper is backed by comprehensive and credible research.
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Research Ethics & Ethical Considerations

A Plain-Language Explainer With Examples

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | May 2024

Research ethics are one of those “ unsexy but essential ” subjects that you need to fully understand (and apply) to conquer your dissertation, thesis or research paper. In this post, we’ll unpack research ethics using plain language and loads of examples .

Overview: Research Ethics 101

  • What are research ethics?
  • Why should you care?
  • Research ethics principles
  • Respect for persons
  • Beneficence
  • Objectivity
  • Key takeaways

What (exactly) are research ethics?

At the simplest level, research ethics are a set of principles that ensure that your study is conducted responsibly, safely, and with integrity. More specifically, research ethics help protect the rights and welfare of your research participants, while also ensuring the credibility of your research findings.

Research ethics are critically important for a number of reasons:

Firstly, they’re a complete non-negotiable when it comes to getting your research proposal approved. Pretty much all universities will have a set of ethical criteria that student projects need to adhere to – and these are typically very strictly enforced. So, if your proposed study doesn’t tick the necessary ethical boxes, it won’t be approved .

Beyond the practical aspect of approval, research ethics are essential as they ensure that your study’s participants (whether human or animal) are properly protected . In turn, this fosters trust between you and your participants – as well as trust between researchers and the public more generally. As you can probably imagine, it wouldn’t be good if the general public had a negative perception of researchers!

Last but not least, research ethics help ensure that your study’s results are valid and reliable . In other words, that you measured the thing you intended to measure – and that other researchers can repeat your study. If you’re not familiar with the concepts of reliability and validity , we’ve got a straightforward explainer video covering that below.

The Core Principles

In practical terms, each university or institution will have its own ethics policy – so, what exactly constitutes “ethical research” will vary somewhat between institutions and countries. Nevertheless, there are a handful of core principles that shape ethics policies. These principles include:

Let’s unpack each of these to make them a little more tangible.

Ethics Principle 1: Respect for persons

As the name suggests, this principle is all about ensuring that your participants are treated fairly and respectfully . In practical terms, this means informed consent – in other words, participants should be fully informed about the nature of the research, as well as any potential risks. Additionally, they should be able to withdraw from the study at any time. This is especially important when you’re dealing with vulnerable populations – for example, children, the elderly or people with cognitive disabilities.

Another dimension of the “respect for persons” principle is confidentiality and data protection . In other words, your participants’ personal information should be kept strictly confidential and secure at all times. Depending on the specifics of your project, this might also involve anonymising or masking people’s identities. As mentioned earlier, the exact requirements will vary between universities, so be sure to thoroughly review your institution’s ethics policy before you start designing your project.

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research ethics essay questions

Ethics Principle 2: Beneficence

This principle is a little more opaque, but in simple terms beneficence means that you, as the researcher, should aim to maximise the benefits of your work, while minimising any potential harm to your participants.

In practical terms, benefits could include advancing knowledge, improving health outcomes, or providing educational value. Conversely, potential harms could include:

  • Physical harm from accidents or injuries
  • Psychological harm, such as stress or embarrassment
  • Social harm, such as stigmatisation or loss of reputation
  • Economic harm – in other words, financial costs or lost income

Simply put, the beneficence principle means that researchers must always try to identify potential risks and take suitable measures to reduce or eliminate them.

Free Webinar: Research Methodology 101

Ethics Principle 3: Objectivity

As you can probably guess, this principle is all about attempting to minimise research bias to the greatest degree possible. In other words, you’ll need to reduce subjectivity and increase objectivity wherever possible.

In practical terms, this principle has the largest impact on the methodology of your study – specifically the data collection and data analysis aspects. For example, you’ll need to ensure that the selection of your participants (in other words, your sampling strategy ) is aligned with your research aims – and that your sample isn’t skewed in a way that supports your presuppositions.

If you’re keen to learn more about research bias and the various ways in which you could unintentionally skew your results, check out the video below.

Ethics Principle 4: Integrity

Again, no surprises here; this principle is all about producing “honest work” . It goes without saying that researchers should always conduct their work honestly and transparently, report their findings accurately, and disclose any potential conflicts of interest upfront.

This is all pretty obvious, but another aspect of the integrity principle that’s sometimes overlooked is respect for intellectual property . In practical terms, this means you need to honour any patents, copyrights, or other forms of intellectual property that you utilise while undertaking your research. Along the same vein, you shouldn’t use any unpublished data, methods, or results without explicit, written permission from the respective owner.

Linked to all of this is the broader issue of plagiarism . Needless to say, if you’re drawing on someone else’s published work, be sure to cite your sources, in the correct format. To make life easier, use a reference manager such as Mendeley or Zotero to ensure that your citations and reference list are perfectly polished.

FAQs: Research Ethics

Research ethics & ethical considertation, what is informed consent.

Informed consent simply means providing your potential participants with all necessary information about the study. This should include information regarding the study’s purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits. This information allows your potential participants to make a voluntary and informed decision about whether to participate.

How should I obtain consent from non-English speaking participants?

What about animals.

When conducting research with animals, ensure you adhere to ethical guidelines for the humane treatment of animals. Again, the exact requirements here will vary between institutions, but typically include minimising pain and distress, using alternatives where possible, and obtaining approval from an animal care and use committee.

What is the role of the ERB or IRB?

An ethics review board (ERB) or institutional review board (IRB) evaluates research proposals to ensure they meet ethical standards. The board reviews study designs, consent forms, and data handling procedures, to protect participants’ welfare and rights.

How can I obtain ethical approval for my project?

This varies between universities, but you will typically need to submit a detailed research proposal to your institution’s ethics committee. This proposal should include your research objectives, methods, and how you plan to address ethical considerations like informed consent, confidentiality, and risk minimisation. You can learn more about how to write a proposal here .

How do I ensure ethical collaboration when working with colleagues?

Collaborative research should be conducted with mutual respect and clear agreements on roles, contributions, and publication credits. Open communication is key to preventing conflicts and misunderstandings. Also, be sure to check whether your university has any specific requirements with regards to collaborative efforts and division of labour. 

How should I address ethical concerns relating to my funding source?

Key takeaways: research ethics 101.

Here’s a quick recap of the key points we’ve covered:

  • Research ethics are a set of principles that ensure that your study is conducted responsibly.
  • It’s essential that you design your study around these principles, or it simply won’t get approved.
  • The four ethics principles we looked at are: respect for persons, beneficence, objectivity and integrity

As mentioned, the exact requirements will vary slightly depending on the institution and country, so be sure to thoroughly review your university’s research ethics policy before you start developing your study.

research ethics essay questions

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100 Questions (and Answers) About Research Ethics

100 Questions (and Answers) About Research Ethics

  • Emily E. Anderson - Loyola University Chicago, USA
  • Amy Corneli - Duke University School of Medicine, USA, FHI 360
  • Description
  • Author(s) / Editor(s)

100 Questions (and Answers) About Research Ethics is an essential guide for graduate students and researchers in the social and behavioral sciences. It identifies ethical issues that individuals must consider when planning research studies as well as provides guidance on how to address ethical issues that might arise during research implementation. Questions such as assessing risks, to protecting privacy and vulnerable populations, obtaining informed consent, using technology including social media, negotiating the IRB process, and handling data ethically are covered.

Acting as a resource for students developing their thesis and dissertation proposals and for junior faculty designing research, this book reflects the latest U.S. federal research regulations to take effect mostly in January 2018.

“The book is extremely informative, well-organized, and an invaluable tool for students, faculty, and literally all researchers across disciplines. I have taught research methods courses for many years, and the ethics and responsible conduct of research for several years, and found this text to be loaded with easily accessible information I find incredibly useful for teaching these courses. The text answers many questions that students typically ask that take considerable effort to answer and eliminates my concern that I am not always providing the most useful or accurate responses. It is extremely informative and well done and is a must for researchers and practitioners engaged in the research enterprise. Well done in all respects! A+.”

“The approach to the book makes it easy to incorporate in a class setting; it is an ideal reference and quick-check for students, but there is still a great deal of substantive material. The questions can provide a ready jumping off point for class discussions and can easily serve as the foundation for class topics and projects.”

“This book will be helpful to both professional and student researchers. As Chair of my institution's IRB, I will be recommending it to my IRB members, and also to my colleagues who are planning to submit protocols for review.”

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Sample materials & chapters.

Part 3 Protecting Privacy and Confidentiality

Part 6 Designing Ethical Research

Emily Ellen Anderson

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SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. SAGE Research Methods links over 175,000 pages of SAGE’s renowned book, journal and reference content with truly advanced search and discovery tools. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more.

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117 Ethics Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Ethics is a crucial aspect of society, guiding our actions and decisions in both personal and professional settings. Writing an ethics essay can be a challenging task, as it requires critical thinking and a deep understanding of moral principles. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of 117 ethics essay topic ideas and examples to inspire your writing.

  • The ethics of artificial intelligence: Should AI be held accountable for its actions?
  • Ethical considerations in genetic engineering: Is it morally acceptable to modify human DNA?
  • The ethics of animal testing: Is it justified for scientific research?
  • The role of ethics in climate change policy: Should governments prioritize environmental preservation over economic growth?
  • The ethics of whistleblowing: Is it ever justified to expose wrongdoing in the workplace?
  • The ethics of euthanasia: Should individuals have the right to end their own life?
  • Ethical dilemmas in healthcare: Should healthcare providers prioritize patient autonomy or beneficence?
  • The ethics of drone warfare: Is it ethical to use unmanned drones in military operations?
  • The role of ethics in business: Should companies prioritize profit or social responsibility?
  • The ethics of cultural appropriation: Is it acceptable for individuals to adopt elements of other cultures?
  • Ethical considerations in data privacy: Should individuals have the right to control their own personal data?
  • The ethics of animal rights: Should animals have legal rights?
  • The ethics of surrogacy: Is it ethical to pay a woman to carry a child for someone else?
  • The role of ethics in criminal justice: Should punishment focus on rehabilitation or retribution?
  • The ethics of organ donation: Should individuals be required to opt out of donation rather than opt in?
  • Ethical dilemmas in social media: Should platforms be held accountable for the spread of misinformation?
  • The ethics of genetic testing: Should individuals have access to their genetic information?
  • The role of ethics in journalism: Should journalists prioritize objectivity or advocacy?
  • Ethical considerations in education: Should schools prioritize academic achievement or character development?
  • The ethics of immigration: Should countries prioritize national security or humanitarian concerns?
  • Ethical dilemmas in child labor: Is it ethical to use child labor in developing countries?
  • The ethics of intellectual property: Should individuals have exclusive rights to their creative work?
  • The role of ethics in sports: Should athletes be held to a higher moral standard?
  • Ethical considerations in political campaigns: Should politicians be held accountable for false statements?
  • The ethics of animal experimentation: Is it ethical to use animals for scientific research?
  • The ethics of cosmetic surgery: Is it ethical to alter one's appearance for cosmetic reasons?
  • Ethical dilemmas in social work: Should social workers prioritize the best interests of their clients or society as a whole?
  • The role of ethics in environmental conservation: Should individuals be required to make sacrifices for the greater good?
  • Ethical considerations in disaster response: Should resources be allocated based on need or merit?
  • The ethics of cultural relativism: Is it acceptable to judge other cultures based on our own moral standards?
  • The ethics of corporate social responsibility: Should companies prioritize profit or social impact?
  • Ethical dilemmas in artificial intelligence: Should AI be programmed to prioritize human welfare over efficiency?
  • The role of ethics in human rights: Should individuals have inherent rights regardless of cultural or societal norms?
  • The ethics of assisted suicide: Is it ethical to help someone end their own life?
  • Ethical considerations in bioethics: Should individuals have control over their own bodies and medical decisions?
  • The ethics of reproductive rights: Should individuals have the right to choose when and if to have children?
  • The role of ethics in public health: Should governments prioritize individual rights or public safety?
  • Ethical dilemmas in global health: Should resources be allocated based on need or profit?
  • The ethics of animal rights activism: Is it ethical to use controversial tactics to advocate for animal rights?
  • The ethics of cultural preservation: Is it ethical to preserve traditional cultures at the expense of progress?
  • Ethical considerations in assisted reproduction: Should individuals have access to assisted reproductive technologies?
  • The role of ethics in disaster preparedness: Should resources be allocated based on need or preparation?
  • The ethics of whistleblowing in healthcare: Is it ethical to expose wrongdoing in the healthcare industry?
  • Ethical dilemmas in reproductive technologies: Should individuals have access to genetic modification for reproductive purposes?
  • The ethics of genetic privacy: Should individuals have control over who has access to their genetic information?
  • Ethical considerations in end-of-life care: Should individuals have the right to refuse life-saving treatment?
  • The role of ethics in animal welfare: Should animals have legal rights and protections?
  • Ethical dilemmas in

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627 Ethics Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

📃 10 tips for writing essays on ethics, 🏆 best ethics topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on ethics, 🎓 simple & easy ethics essay titles, 📌 writing prompts for ethics, 🥇 most interesting ethics topics to write about, ✍️ ethics essay topics for college, ❓ ethics essay questions.

People make ethical choices every day, even when they do not realize it. Ethics is a debatable topic that covers many aspects of our daily life.

Ethics essays can help students to understand ethical dilemmas and problems better. Although writing an ethics essay can be challenging, we are always here to help!

Start with choosing an issue you want to discuss in the paper. Some good ethics essay topics and examples we can suggest are:

  • The aspects of utilitarianism as an ethical theory
  • Ethical dilemmas in the field of healthcare
  • Theories that explain human behavior
  • The significance of the personal code of ethics
  • Should euthanasia/abortion/personal use of drugs be legal?
  • Is morality related to society or culture?
  • Are there moral obligations all individuals should follow?

Remember that you can discuss other ethics essay questions and topics too. Choose one of the titles that seem most relevant to you. Now you are ready to start working on your paper. Here are ten tips that will help you to write an outstanding essay:

  • Research the issue you have selected thoroughly. You should gain an excellent understanding of its aspects, causes, and consequences. Try to rely on credible sources (such as peer-reviewed articles) only.
  • If you are not sure that the selected problem is relevant, find an ethics essay example online. This step can also help you to analyze your ethics essay structure and see whether you should make some changes.
  • Develop a good outline for your essay. Include an introductory section, several body paragraphs (at least three, if possible), and a summary or a conclusion. Note that an argumentative essay should include a refutation section too.
  • Introduce your thesis statement clearly. Your reader should understand the main argument of your essay.
  • Discuss all significant aspects related to ethics. Provide a definition of this term and examples of ethical dilemmas that may arise. It can make your paper more engaging to your audience.
  • Avoid overly complex sentences. Your essay should look professional but be easy-to-read. Remember that in general, sentences should not be longer than 35 words.
  • Discuss your perspectives on ethical issues you are presenting. State your opinion and include the recommendations you would provide. If you have relevant experiences or know people who have faced ethical dilemmas, discuss them in your paper.
  • Remember that the last paragraph of the essay is important. You need to present your thesis statement once again, along with the main arguments of your work. Discuss the findings of your study and make a conclusion.
  • Support your claims with evidence. Include in-text citations whenever you are referring to someone else’s work. At the same time, your paper should not include information from outside sources only. Add comments to each of the facts you are presenting.
  • Check the paper several times before sending it to your professor. You need to make sure that there are no grammatical mistakes. Pay attention to the sentence structure too. An important tip would be to put your essay away for several days and revise your ideas later with “fresh” eyes. Do not hesitate to ask your peers for help in revising your essay too.

Remember to check out essay samples on our website. They are free!

  • Is Business Ethics an Oxymoron Business and ethics are incompatible and that is why business ethics is an oxymoron. Business ethics is an oxymoron because business and ethics are incompatible.
  • Ethics of Divorce: Deontology and Utilitarianism Before analyzing the ethics of divorce, the paper first introduces the subject of ethics followed by the theme of divorce in the contemporary societal settings.
  • Justice Theory: Business Ethics, Utilitarianism, Rights, Caring, and Virtue The foremost portion of business ethics understands the theory of rights as one of the core principles in the five-item ethical positions that deem essential in the understanding of moral business practices.
  • Ethics and Morality Relationship Ethics is a term used to refer to the body of doctrines that guide individuals to behave in a way that is ideologically right, fine, and appropriate.
  • McDonald’s Ethical Issues: Examples of Unethical Marketing Practices It is a case study of McDonalds and how the international company disregards the ethical considerations of business in the fast food industry. To this end, the ethical practices include the accurate representation of a […]
  • An Ethical Dilemma Faced by Nestle: Case Analysis International staffing and development help Nestle to organize human resources in accordance with the needs of the company and its strategic goals.
  • Importance of Ethics in Business The manager of the North American company has a difficult task because in as much as the decision taken by the company depends on him, he wants to please both parties, that is, the client […]
  • Ethical Issues of Targeting Uninformed Consumers The rationale behind this statement is that uninformed consumers do not have psychological maturity, meaning that target marketing can force them to make unreasonable decisions and purchases.
  • The Link Between Professionalism and Ethics In a sum up professionalism is the equality of being honest and faithful to the profession. Successful engineers are as a result of the moral behaviors and work ethics they endorse in their day to […]
  • Ethics and Artificial Intelligence The various AI systems utilize patients’ data without their consent and expose their private information. Many AI systems in the healthcare environment utilize patients’ data and information without their full consent.
  • Moral and Ethical Issues of Recombinant DNA Technology In my opinion that debate is of the greatest importance and my hope is that these six lectures may have contributed to it.
  • Ethics as a Theme in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley From the novel, it is evident that humans drove the monster into a state of madness when they subjected it to hatred and rejection, and thus the monster’s madness emerged due to the treatment it […]
  • BP Oil Company Ethical Dilemma The damages caused by the spill originated from the effects of the oil on the environment and the damaging effects of the cleanup activities.
  • Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing Informatics One of the basic underpinnings is the fact that confidentiality violations can result in various issues for the patient whose well-being can be threatened, which is unacceptable for the nurse whose job is to ensure […]
  • Moral and Ethical Issues in Science and Technology The aspects that pose moral and ethical issues in technology today need to be outlined and controlled with consideration of all the parties involved.
  • Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster and Ethical Issues It manifested in the management’s decision to launch the shuttle despite insufficient testing and the faults in the design of the O-rings.
  • Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics The foundation of utilitarianism theory is in the principle of utility. On the other hand, the theory of deontology embraces the concept of duty.
  • Psychological Testing: Ethical and Legal Issues Two of the cases that have had a major impact on the institution of psychological testing are ‘Larry P.v Riles and Crawford v.
  • Social Media Ethics Essay: Examples & Definition In the initial stages of social media, it was easy fro companies to brush aside the idea of social media and have nothing to do with it, hence, risk being victims of the two risks.
  • PepsiCo Ethical Issues & Achievements The firm has established a global code of conduct that generally identifies the main objective of conducting business in the right way as a part of its corporate mechanism aimed at ensuring that customers of […]
  • Anthropocentric and Non-Anthropocentric Environmental Ethics In the current reality, non-anthropocentric environmental ethics are impractical in fields of international development, and poverty reduction as the primary focus is on improvements for the human population.
  • Ethical Dilemma of Child Abuse In the above example, a nurse has to apply rational judgment to analyze the extent and threats when making decisions in the best interest of the victim of child abuse.
  • Importance of Ethics in Communication Essay The issue that arises is whether employees make the right decision that would benefit the company or they make the wrong choices that call for the downfall of the company.
  • Toyota Ethical Issues and Social Responsibility Another set of the company’s stakeholders that affect the ethical code of business in the company is the external environment like customers and the society; there is a level of quality that customers expect from […]
  • Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Essay In this light, this paper discusses the importance of ethics and social responsibility and various practices and theories employed in different organizations. In future, ethics and social responsibility will have a new meaning in the […]
  • Relationship Between Ethics and Religion Essay While a believer will pose that the two function as a couple, a non-believer, on the other hand will hold that morality is independent of religion.
  • Walmart Company’s Global Ethics and Compliance Challenges According to the theory, it may be viewed as a set of guidelines that help to determine the level of appropriateness of corporate norms, policies, and activities.
  • Ethics in Tourism and Hospitality Industry Report The ability to effectively articulate high levels of ethics in tourism and hospitality industry is a key determinant of the capacity for the aforementioned sector to trace its missions, achieve the set goals, objectives and […]
  • “Wit” by Margaret Edson: Ethical and Legal Issues The decisions included the type of treatments to give her, the frequency of the treatments, and the decision to resuscitate or not to resuscitate.
  • Legal-Ethical Issues Affecting Patient Rights for the Elderly The kind of relationship that healthcare professionals can have with their elderly clients can have legal and moral implications in relation to patient rights for the elderly.
  • Unethical and Ethical Issues in Prisons (Corrections) This is one of the unethical practices that are evident in the prison systems. In this case, prison warders and authorities are usually noted to be actively involved in the business.
  • Teleological vs. Deontological Ethics They are meta-ethics, deontological ethics, hedonism, normative ethics, teleological ethics, and many others The present paper is aimed at describing teleological and deontological ethics as well as the differences between them.
  • Merck Company and River Blindness Case Study Ethics According to the report, any country that requested for the drug would receive the drugs in coordination with the World Health Organization.
  • Ethical Issues at the Radiology Department Since the radiographer was not concerned with the fact that the patient could not speak English properly, the former broke the principles of radiography ethics by conducting a procedure that could harm the patient in […]
  • Media Ethics and Principles of Media Companies The ethics of the media becomes necessary in order to address the above issues. The issue of “media ethics” seeks to promote the best standards in the industry.
  • Ethical Dilemma: Example, Problem, and Solution Secondly, I was supposed to show other employees that no one is above the policies of this company and if anyone commits a mistake the individual must be punished.
  • Chernobyl Disaster: Ethical Aspects and Effects The cause of the disaster was a faulty design that caused a nuclear reactor to overheat and explode. The constructors of the plant violated the construction technology and there were plenty of design deviations.
  • Key Ethical Issues in Retailing and Distribution As Barnett et al.observed empirically, there are several self-evident dimensions to ethical consumerism which players in retail and distribution function should comprehensively be aware of, for these dimensions may act in an organized and collective […]
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Criminal Justice If one is to discuss the issue with the senior management of the organization in which the crime occurred, there is a high chance that the issue will not be taken as seriously due to […]
  • Comparison of Codes of Ethics: The American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association Both the Psychologist and the counselor abide to the same codes of conduct with regard to terminating their services to a client.
  • My Sister’s Keeper: Ethical and Legal Issues When Sara is informed by Campbell that her daughter had the right to reject the kidney donation surgery, Sara argues that Anna was too young to decide for herself and that she was going to […]
  • Adelphia Communications Scandal and Ethical Issues This is because of the huge sums of money involved, and the suspicious arrangement the Rigas family made with the company that required the company and the Rigas family to be guarantors of each other.
  • Ethics and Safety in Nursing Informatics It is suggested that, first of all, nurses need to inform patients about the type of the accumulated data that may be disclosed and with whom it can be shared prior the beginning of the […]
  • Ethical Relativism: Advantages and Disadvantages It is necessary to acknowledge this difference to understand that the world is diverse and unequal. The most significant weakness refers to the fact that it is possible to rely on ethical relativism to justify […]
  • The Philosophical Approaches to Ethics The main point of the argument is that philosophical approaches to business ethics provide guidelines for making ethical business decisions, but some of these approaches are controversial and have no support from most moral scholars.
  • Max Weber – The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Max Weber in his book the protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism sought to explain the emergence of the modern capitalism and the origin of the modern secular and industrial society.
  • Ethical Issues Surrounding Intellectual Property Rights The owner of the copyright in spite of the absence of necessity to provide the copyright notice on the work is the only person who can determine the ways of possible usage of the work.
  • Does Possession of Knowledge Carry an Ethical Responsibility? Ethical responsibility imposed on the power authorities is ignored and, therefore, people are unaware of the consequences of their reforms and actions.
  • Analysis of the Differences Between Laws and Ethics Ethics tells people what they ought to do and in what ways. In conclusion, law and ethics are similar because they aim to promote order and cohesion in society.
  • Apple’s Ethical Challenges Regarding Labor Practices Despite the fact that this aspect violates Apple’s principles of ethical supply chains, which prohibit the use of child labor, the company continued to cooperate with the supplier for another three years.
  • The Ford Pinto Case and Ethical Dilemma Lee Iacocca, the Ford company’s president, was accused of disregarding the need to improve the safety of Pinto cars due to the increased cost.
  • Ethical Dilemma as Witnessed in the Cassavetes’ Film “My Sister’s Keeper” Organ transplants require the voluntary participation of donors and the society at large in donating the vital organs from living or deceased members of the society.
  • Law Ethics: Something Rotten in Hondo Lastly, the most morally right thing to do is to provide a scenario where employees are not exposed to health hazards and risks by virtue of their engagement with Adnak.
  • Musk and Tesla: A Strong Code of Corporate Ethics? These guidelines consider the ideas, norms, laws, and business regulations that govern how individuals act within the institution and how the firm operates in the community.
  • The Ethical Issues of the Mattel Toy Scandal The reasons for the considerable recalls of products were that the toys manufactured on the facilities based in China were dangerous for children’s health due to the lead paint discovered in the toys and the […]
  • Kant’s Ethical Theory of Deontology in Nursing Kant advanced two approaches of categorical imperative; first, the maxim of an individual’s action should be universal; and second, a person should treat another with dignity, not as means to reach personal objectives. Also, section […]
  • Legal and Ethical Responsibilities of Physical Therapists In the recent past, as a result of the increased autonomy of physical therapists in executing their duties, there has been an increase in the number of ethical and legal responsibilities of individuals in this […]
  • Family Therapy: Ethical Dilemmas One of the ethical dilemmas in the case is that of deciding whether or not to disclose the information about Breen’s relationship with her boyfriend to her parents.
  • Pornography and Ethics This paper is going to assess the extent to what extent is the definition of pornography qualified to be used, and if pornography is ethical in modern society.
  • Dealing With Ethical Issues in the Workplace In the second case, the initial perception of the manager as to the applicant’s personality is that of a qualified, mature and sociable person.
  • Ethical Analysis of the Movie “Liar, Liar” The story described in the movie is one of egoism and a self centered person who will resort to anything just to win the case.
  • Early Childhood Education Center’s Ethical Dilemma Therefore, it is necessary to involve different people in the discussion of this case because there are several ethical responsibilities applied to a new child, the children of the class, the staff, parents, and the […]
  • Ethical Subjectivism and Emotivism in Society The challenge is that they are unable to account for the use of moral reason as a driver behind an emotive statement.
  • Workplace Ethical Issues Essay Harassment of the co-workers or clients is one of the major workplace ethical issues that involve violation of the employers’ workplace ethics policy.
  • Volkswagen Company’s Emissions Fraud: Ethical Issues The scandal, otherwise known as the VW emissions fraud, occurred when the EPA carried out a series of tests on VW vehicles and discovered that the cars were not in compliance with emission regulations established […]
  • Smartphone-Related Cognitive and Ethical Issues The remarkable rise of smartphones and the rapid adoption of mobile computing are two of the most important developments in contemporary information and communication technology.
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Counselling and Treatment Methods The case of Brett has become an ethical issue based on the following; questions are revolving around what information can be released to the parents and parents request to review the diagnosis since no procedure […]
  • Ethics in Social Research: Peculiarities of the Genie Case and the Milgram Experiment The main idea of the experiment consists in the physical and even moral injury of the object. The consent of the experiment was not informed.
  • Business Ethics of the H&M Company Additionally, all employees should have a written contract in their local language provided to them by H&M, and they should be aware of the terms and conditions.
  • The Concept of Environmental Ethics Environmental ethics is concerned with the ethical relationship of human beings with the environment. Human beings must relate ethically with all other living organisms.
  • Pornography: Breaching Ethical Standards However, before delving into the details surrounding this argument, it is important to understand the ethical issues and breaches of pornography.
  • Ethical Manager It therefore falls on company regulations and carefully formulated codes of ethics to ensure that the ethical manager can be able to restore proper business conduct in the organization.
  • Public Administration Ethical Dilemma and Theories Smith should take the responsibility of ensuring that the needs of the majority are upheld since the welfare of the community, and the organization is of importance.
  • The Ethics of Critique Thus, the philosophers’ concept of human freedom and equality as the highest value is the ground for to struggle for human rights. As a result, showing care and concern contributes to the spread of moral […]
  • Ethical Issues With the Stanford Prison Experiment – Essay Nowadays, modern psychologists are expected to adhere to a strict and rigid code of ethical principles in order to ensure the validity of their practices and the safety of the patients and participants.
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Sports It is also important to take into account the health problems of athletes caused by doping and address them on a case-by-case basis.
  • Richard Angelo: A Serial Killer and His Ethical Dilemma The convicted claimed he made the injections to cause crises to be able to revive patients and become a hero in front of his colleagues.
  • Ethical and Social Responsibility Issues in IHRM Despite the fact that different scholars hold different opinions about ethics and corporate social responsibility, there is need for a multinational firm to include the two in its operations so as to create a good […]
  • Ethics and Civics of the Patriots in the 18th Century The statement mentioned in the Declaration of Independence about the necessity for people to dissolve their political bands and be equal within the frames of the Laws of Nature proved the grievance of the patriots.
  • Ethical and Legal Considerations in Quantitative Research The proposed research question is appropriate to be used in the study the aim of which is to find out how the students’ interest in playing computer and video games can predict their achievement at […]
  • Ethical Dilemmas Facing Teachers The proponents of this system claim that it is authentic and offers a first hand experience to the learners. The needs in this system include having a strong foundation in the areas that the knowledge […]
  • Wal-Mart’s Ethical Issues This paper forms an analysis of the ethical issues raised against or for Wal-Mart Corporation and the potential outcomes of some of the negative or conflicting views about the firm.
  • The Volkswagen Scandal: Ethical & Unethical Choices Indeed, seeing that Volkswagen has jeopardized both the safety and the health of the global community by allowing the production and purchase of air-polluting cars, it is expected that the levels of trust between the […]
  • The Mechanical Engineering Ethics Understanding Ethics refers to a set of values and principles that guide the conduct of members of a profession. Shared responsibility is a quality that enables one to work in a manner that promotes cooperation.
  • Nestlé’s Ethical Issues in Developing Countries In this case, the ethical elements of the operations pose questions about the motives of such corporations, which results in displeasure to the greatest majority.
  • Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Ethical Consideration In the ADNOC’s context, it is important to relate the progress of the organisation with the ethical culture to ensure that its core values are maintained.
  • Ethical Issues in the “Unthinkable” Film However, the crescendo of the interrogation is reached when the nuclear explosions are about to occur, and the interrogator threatens the victim’s family in a bid to stop the explosion by locating the bombs; the […]
  • Sex Shop Opening in Germany: Legal and Ethical Issues The government in Germany intervened in the prostitution and drug sector immediately after the increasing number of cases of women trafficking and kidnapping in different parts of Germany.
  • Laws and ethics Since the law must be obeyed, it becomes enforceable and that is why institutions such as the police and the judiciary have a duty of enforcing the law.
  • Ethics of Politics of Social Research This is followed by describing the political aspects focusing on the possible deviations in the procedure of the research due to the influence of personal and political beliefs of the researcher.
  • Business Ethics Theories and Values The theory of Moral Unity is amongst the fundamental opinions featuring within the age-old debacle of seemingly tolerant morals within the business environment.
  • Tesco Company Business Ethics: Deontology and Teleology However, it is the policy of the company to consider the effect that the product will have on the people or customers rather than considering the financial gain that the company will derive from such […]
  • Key Issues Concerning Computer Security, Ethics, and Privacy The issues facing computer use such as defense, ethics, and privacy continue to rise with the advent of extra ways of information exchange.
  • Ethics in Cyber Age Therefore, ethics in cyber age is the breakdown of the environment and social impact of cyber space or computer technology along with the resultant development and validation of policies regarding ethical use of the information […]
  • Personal Values and Beliefs in Ethical Issues Therefore, the constructs of deontology have enabled me to make decisions based on my responsibilities and obligations as per the expectations of society.
  • Cooper’s Ethical Decision-Making Model The first step in this approach is ascertaining and giving a description to the facts of a situation including the main participants, their perceptions, the issues and the threats pose by the situation.
  • Public Administration: The Ethical Challenges This case study of craftsmanship inspects the ethical implication of integrating the same principles of cultivating virtue and embracing collective values.
  • Ethics in Advertising and Its Importance Therefore, the following essay describes why ethics in advertising is an issue that requires increased attention, the types of advertising, and the benefits of advertising.
  • Ethical Reasoning: Dominant and Alternative Approaches In order to compare the dominant and alternative approaches to ethical reasoning, they were divided according to the perspectives of these theories on the priority of the means of achievement and the goal.
  • Business Ethics: Is It Profitable? Business ethics is a set of professional ethics that tries to inspect ethical problem or the principles of ethics that can emerge in a business organization. Implementation of ethics in a business organization increases costs […]
  • Business & Legal Issues: Ford Pinto To be more precise, the Ford Pinto case will be evaluated from the legal point of view to establish which laws were violated in the process of corporate decision-making that led to the production of […]
  • Jaguar Land Rover Business Strategy and Ethics This study evaluates the internal and external environments using different tools and techniques, including the PEST and four corners models to study the impact of CSR in line with the Jaguar Land Rover business strategy.
  • Ethical Issues in Interior Design Lastly, is the issue of honesty and an interior designer should always be honest as this principle forms the core of customer relations in any business.
  • Immanuel Kant’s – Duty Theory of Ethics Kant indicates that the goodness has not to contain a meaning of the consequences and results, it is good in itself.
  • Ethical Analysis of the Sermon on the Mount – Matthew Chapters 5-7 The Sermon on the Mount refers to a portion of the Bible that contains some of the things that Jesus said and the lessons that He taught to his disciples.
  • What is an ethical choice? Once all these steps are followed and one is still uncertain if they will be making an ethical choice, then one would rather opt for the alternative that will turn out the majority good for […]
  • Three Ethical Lenses on Human Trafficking As a result of the issue’s illegality, a deontologist will always observe the law and, as a result, will avoid or work to eradicate human trafficking.
  • Ethical Issues in the Novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley The paper looks at the ethical issues that the author highlights in her paper, such as the promotion of artificial life to help in the development of the discussions of this paper. Victor Frankenstein is […]
  • NSPE Code of Ethics vs. Other Engineering Codes Essay Similarities between NSPE code of ethics and AiChE Engineers should use their skills to ensure health, welfare and safety of the public as provided by the first principle. The goal is to enhance health and […]
  • The Ethical Decision-Making (EDM) Model Principles The two possible courses of action are either unfriending Andrea and continuing to ignore her or explaining the importance of autonomy and confidentiality to the client.
  • Business Ethics and Child Labour According to the case, business ethics is the observance of rules and regulations that have been put in place. Child labour is one of the serious ethical issues that businesses have to deal with in […]
  • Immanuel Kant Ethics Kant argues that, “a person is good or bad depending on the motivation of their actions and not on the goodness of the consequences of those actions”.
  • Ethics in Product Safety of Takata Corporation Later on Takata became Takata Corporation, and in the early 1980s, it expanded to Korea, the United States, and Iceland. According to Cross and Miller Takata Corporation had a major problem in the year 2013 […]
  • Fifteen Ethical Principles of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics Hence, giving sufficient data and teaching the patient about actual factors, and getting educated consent before exposing a patient to any medical procedure is fundamental.
  • Scientists’ Moral Responsibility and Ethics Decades ago, it was the duty of policymakers, scholars, and the general public to deal with the effects of new knowledge while the scientists primarily conducted research. Therefore, the scientists have a responsibility to their […]
  • Google and Ethics The purpose is to show that a company like Google must behave ethically and all the decisions made by managers and other superiors should be guided by the highest morale and respect to the surrounding […]
  • Cooper’s Ethical Decision-Making Model: Corcoran State Prison According to Rigg and Caruso, the actions of the fellow prison guards were unwarranted and amounts to unethical behavior as well as contrary to the mission and values of the California Department of Corrections and […]
  • Ethics in the Business Research It is, therefore, extremely essential for the researcher to assess the weight of every research issue in order to determine how best to approach the whole research process without causing harm to any one.
  • An Ethical Analysis of Animal Rights Animal rights advocates state that the interests of animals are of vital importance to them and they should not be limited by human beings. Animal activism requires the person to concede that animals have rights […]
  • Ethics of Informed Consent in DNA Research The ethical issue that is the focus of the current study is the use of patient DNA for research by a company without their knowledge and consent.
  • Consequentialist, Deontological, and Virtue Ethics: Ethical Theories Ethical principles are rooted in the ethical theories, and ethicists, when trying to explain a particular action, usually refer to the principles, rather than theories.
  • Perioperative Practitioners: Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues The innovative framework in regard to perioperative nursing profession provides the opportunity to the health and social care which is related with the theatre practitioners.
  • Business Ethics Differences Around the World As such, its developments will be used to explain parts of the analysis and to put the different cultures discussed in this essay into the same framework.
  • Differential Aptitude Test and Ethical Principles According to the representatives of the psychological organizations and committees, “the psychometric qualities of the DAT are rated highest” among all the tests invented for the evaluation of the cognitive abilities in both children and […]
  • The Concept of Ethics in Groups Understanding group dynamics plays a crucial role in increasing the level of success in a group. Second, group members should conduct themselves in a manner that promotes the values and interests of their group.
  • Ethical Decision Making and Sustainable Development To begin with, making ethical decisions require consideration of the facts, the subjects involved, the best approach to follow, the effect of the approach, and the examination of the whole process.
  • Reflection of Ethical Self-Assessment I am good at managing my efforts on the way of ethical improvement and ethical conduct, I strive to achieve compliance with the accepted ethical model and I am already able to move further from […]
  • Ethical Leadership: Martin Luther King All individuals were expected to consider his actions and embrace the idea of morality. Through the use of a positive community culture and empowerment tactics, King managed to model such desirable behaviors.
  • Ethical Issues Associated With Psychological Testing The second case along the line of psychological testing includes the case of Brown V. Reason The above case was used to examine the validity of psychological testing.
  • Death Penalty and Ethics The arguments for the capital punishment as explained earlier are also extremely weak and the practice of death penalty is morally wrong.
  • Ethics in Mass Media Regarding Pepsi’s Commercial The media practitioner at the center of the dilemma is the company’s public relations and marketing professionals who created and produced the commercial.
  • Ethical Dilemma in Nursing Case Study Today, being a nurse is associated with a number of complexities due to the need to comply with diverse obligations in social, political, and healthcare segments.
  • “The Devil Wears Prada”: Morality and Ethics Andy on the other hand chooses clothes that she deems to be smart, comfortable, and good enough for the first day on the job, which in reality is utterly unfashionable.
  • Ethical and Illegal Computer Hacking For the ethical hackers, they pursue hacking in order to identify the unexploited areas or determine weaknesses in systems in order to fix them.
  • Violation of Basic Ethical Principles in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study This principle was also violated during the Tuskegee Study as the subjects were not treated as autonomous agents capable of and entitled to make their own decisions concerning their treatment and participation in the study.
  • Eastern Ethics and Natural Law On the other hand, the Aristotelian system relies on the process of phronesis that manifests harmony and happiness through the practice of self-restraint and temperance.
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Social Workers’ Practice In order to resolve the emerging dilemma, it is necessary to identify the involved stakeholders, model two possible courses of events, evaluate the implications of each and come to a conclusion regarding the preferential option […]
  • What is the Importance of Ethics When it Comes to Governance? This form of governance depends on curtailing the freedom of the ruled in order to maximize the power of the rulers.
  • Ethics of Group vs. Individual Practice Compared Firstly, confidentiality is a necessary and obligatory condition for working in a group and one of the fundamental ethical principles in the work of a social worker.
  • Ethical Failure in the Pulpit: Impact on the Church, Congregation, and Community It claims that when the people of the congregation of the minister sin, the priest is the one to blame. Thus, the pulpiteer must avoid ethical failures in addressing their congregation, as they know the […]
  • Home Care and Nurse’s Ethical and Legal Concerns The main goal of this paper is to discuss the ethical and legal responsibilities of a nurse who supports the idea that home care patients need to be cared for in a hospital, and that […]
  • Lockheed Corporation’s Ethical Decision-Making During the same period, Lockheed recorded numerous losses due to the changes experienced in the market. The leaders in the firm also continued to pay bribes to different government officials.
  • Ethics Unwrapped: Apple Suppliers & Labor Practices Unfortunately, the level of criticism has continued to exist since the company is pushed to the limits to meet the expanding demand for some of its products, including the iPhone and the iPad.
  • Deontological Ethics and Morality According to the theory, moral ethics should enable members of society to attain happiness. Finally, moral ethics should also provide room for improvement to nurture the desired behaviors in society.
  • Ethics Types, Differences, Applications To be more particular about the two types above of ethics, virtue ethics can be defined as the type of ethics that “focuses on the character traits and nonobligatory ideas that facilitate the development of […]
  • Ethical Considerations in Decision-Making This means that the leader should listen to the other team members and more so give them more power in decision making.
  • Ethics of Nepotism in Business Practicing nepotism in an organization from the basic concern is that it brings about the issue of contradiction of the typical customs in employment to hiring and promoting the most qualified and performing candidates for […]
  • Ethical Implications of Implementing Religion or Spirituality Into Therapy The third consideration related to the ethics of therapy provided for Christian people is the need to include their religious values in the process of planning their treatment.
  • Samsung’s Ethical Dilemma of Child Labor The paper will critically analyze the ethical dimensions of the dilemma from the perspective of the utilitarian ethical theory. It will be argued that according to the fundamental principles of the theory, the company’s behavior […]
  • Zodiac Movie: Crime, Media Reporting and Ethics The development of the events and the rise of the killer’s popularity began as soon as the reporters of the San Francisco Chronicle received and discovered the letter with threats to American society.
  • Ethics in Group Counseling According to Crespi, it is important for the counselor and learners to learn the legal principles that guide the process of counseling by governing the standards to be observed by the counselor and the client.
  • Nursing Code of Ethics The nurses in all the aforementioned positions and context, performs with respect and compassion for the innate distinctness, worth, and dignity of each person, without any regard for his or her social or financial status, […]
  • Abortion and Virtue Ethics Those who support the right of a woman to an abortion even after the final trimester makes the assertion that the Constitution does not provide any legal rights for a child that is still within […]
  • Corporate Social Responsibility at the Tesco PLC Most of them look at the poor and superior activities that the company is engaged in.the impact of both their produce is scrutinized in terms of the value it brings to the society.
  • Ethics and Human Resource Management The staff at the human resource department should always show the importance of ethics in the organization. Therefore, the HRM should know that reward and appraisal systems can be harnessed to promote ethical behavior in […]
  • Criminal Justice Ethics of Traffic Police Officers The police officer had the choice to take the children to a juvenile center home and arrange for a person to take care of the baby and then take the woman to jail as she […]
  • Ethical Dilemma With the Bank Teller On the other hand, the bank calls for honesty in service and client protection, and given that the teller took the money without permission from an inactive account belonging to a customer it is professionally […]
  • The Unilever Global Company’s Business Ethics The company has code of business principles that gives an account of the various ways in which its activities are to be carried out and it ensures that everyone working in the company follows it […]
  • The Ethics of Using Old Examination to Study Introduction Ethics Ethics of using past exams to study for tests Whether it is ethical to use past exams not given by the instructor to study for tests Conclusion Various ethical issues have been […]
  • Ford Pinto’s Fuel System Redesign and Ethics However, the core of the decisions that the head management of Ford Motor Company had to make to resolve the key issues go far beyond the concept of cost-benefit analysis.
  • Economy and Ethics in the Inside a Job Documentary
  • Nestlé Ethics and Social Responsibility
  • Wall Street (1987): Ethics Analysis
  • ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors
  • Ethical Issues in Mass Communication and Advertising
  • Ford Motor Company Ethical Strategies and Policies
  • Enron Management Practices’ Ethical Principles
  • Apple Corporation Social and Ethical Responsibility
  • Ethical Issues Faced By Multi-National Companies Operating In Less Developed Countries
  • The Connections between the MEAA Code of Ethics and Three Philosophical Traditions
  • Corey’s Ethical Decision-Making Model Application
  • Ethics of Decision-Making in Social Work
  • Ethical Theories and Nepotism Relationships
  • Ethics of Airlines’ Extra Charge for Obese People
  • The Ethical Issues of Genetic Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour in Relation to Ethical Marketing
  • Facing Ethical Issues as a Software Engineer
  • Ethics in Engineering: Goodrich A7D Brake Case
  • Nonmaleficence as Ethical Principle in Healthcare
  • Coke and Pepsi in India: Issues, Ethics, and Management
  • Ethical Dilemma in “The Reader” Film by S. Daldry
  • Conservation and Preservation Ethics
  • Kant’s Ethics: Objection to Lying
  • Leah Curtin’s Classic Model in Nursing Ethics
  • Applying Ethical Frameworks in Practice
  • Plastic Surgery In Pets. Case Studies in Ethical Choice
  • Seven-Step Process for Ethical Decision-Making
  • McDonald’s Ethics in Super-Size Me Documentary
  • Selling Pets and Pets’ Products: The Ethical Considerations Raised.
  • Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment and Ethical Principles
  • Technology Use among Children: Ethical Issues
  • Ethical issues in the Digital Age
  • Ethics in Financial Management
  • Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
  • Mill’s vs. Kant’s Ethical Theories on Lie
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare Institutions
  • Feminist Ethics Concept
  • Ethics of Data Misuse in Urban Planning
  • The Wells Fargo Firm’s Ethical Case Analysis
  • Act Utilitarianism and Virtue Ethics: Pros and Cons
  • History of Ethical Principles in Psychology
  • The Significant Facts and Ethical Issues Surrounding Coca-Cola India
  • AICPA: The Ethics in the Organization
  • Engineering Ethics of Chernobyl and the Three Mile Island
  • “Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice” by Pollock
  • Engineering Ethics in the Organizations
  • Code of Ethics in Education
  • Volkswagen Group’s Corporate Governance and Ethics
  • Ethical Dilemma & Glyphosate: Post Foods Company
  • Military Professional Ethics
  • Cultural Differences and Ethics of International Trading
  • The Ethical Issues in Financial Management
  • Child Labour: Ethical Aspects of Employment
  • Business Ethics Strengths and Weaknesses
  • Ethical Dilemma: Counselors Engaging in Relations with Clients
  • Medical Ethics – The Four Pillars Explained
  • Medical Ethics in Radiography
  • Christian Perspective and Postmodern Relativism: The Nature of Spirituality and Ethics
  • Medication Errors: Ethical & Legal Implications
  • Christian Ethics Issues and Abortion
  • Fast Fashion and Ethical Consumption
  • Abortion: An Ethical Dilemma and Legal Position
  • Code of Ethics in the Hospitality Industry
  • Volkswagen Emissions Scandal From Ethical Viewpoint
  • Business Ethics, Globalization and Sustainability
  • Business Ethics: Can a Corporation Have a Conscience?
  • Nursing Ethical Principles Application
  • Ethics of Online Education
  • Ethical Behaviour in the Engineering Workplace
  • Crane & Matten’s Business Ethics
  • Factors and Influences of Integrity and Ethical Behavior by Employees
  • Kitsch – under the Title of Taste and Ethics
  • Ethical Principles in the Movie The Firm
  • Value and Ethics in Organizations
  • Apple Inc.’s Mission, Vision, and Code of Ethics
  • Importance of Ethics in Journalism
  • Ethical Issues in Road Construction
  • Clinical Laboratories’ Legal and Ethical Issues
  • Renewable Energy Ethical Question
  • Is The Phrase “Business Ethics” A Contradiction?
  • Wells Fargo Banking Scandal: Ethical Analysis
  • Faith Integration: Dora’s Ethical and Legal Decision
  • Ethics in Public Administration
  • Egoism and Altruism as Ethical Theories
  • Ethics in “The Corporation” Documentary
  • Ethics in School-Based Action Research
  • The Ethics of Harvesting Eggs from Dead Women
  • “Ethics for the Real World” by Ronald Howard and Clinton Korver
  • Target Behavior Design Ethical Aspects
  • An Ethical System of Deontology: Erin Brockovich (2000)
  • Ethics and Computer Security
  • Ethical Issues With Performance Enhancing Drugs in Professional Sports
  • Abortion in Australia: Legal and Ethical Issues
  • Virtue and Stoic Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • Digital Communication Laws and Ethics
  • Bioethical Issue and Ethical Theory in “Gattaca”
  • Ethics: Should Batman Kill the Joker?
  • Ethical Principles in Case of Belmont Report
  • Theories of Ethics: Virtue, Teleological and Deontological Theory
  • The APA Code of Ethics
  • Samsung Company’s Quality Issue and Kantian Ethics
  • Information Technology: Ethical Issues in Computing
  • Prescribing Drugs: Ethical and Legal Implications
  • Engineering Ethics and Legal Standards
  • Ethical Issues in Organizational Behavior
  • Ethical Theories and Ethical Business Practices
  • Starbuck’s Ethical Relationship with Stakeholders
  • Power and Ethics in Organizations
  • Ethics of Bottled Water
  • Truth vs. Loyalty: Tinkov’s Ethical Dilemma
  • Ethical Approaches in the Retail Clothing Industry
  • Ethical Codes and Their Importance
  • Legal and Ethical Implications in Healthcare
  • Kant’s Duty-Based Ethics at the Workplace
  • Pressure Ulcers Prevention and Its Ethical Factors
  • Action-Based Ethics Criticism
  • Ethical Research in the Erin Brockovich Film
  • Ethics and the Internet
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Workplace Analysis
  • Ethics Activity in Management Accounting
  • Ethical Dilemma in Nursing
  • Pros, Cons and Ethics of “Stop and Frisk” Law
  • Surrogacy as the Contemporary Issue in Nursing Ethics: Ethical and Legal Aspects
  • Ethical Analysis of the Actions of General Electric Capital
  • Integrity in Organizational Culture and Ethical Theories
  • Business Ethics and Ethical Decision Making
  • King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud’s Responsible Leadership and Ethics
  • Role of the Ethical Values for a Human Being
  • Work Ethics: The Role in Contemporary Society
  • Professionalism and Ethics in Public Administration
  • Patients’ Spiritual Needs and Ethical Principles
  • Meritorious Deeds at No Cost: Ethics of Ming Era
  • Starbucks’ Ethical Accusations
  • Chick-fil-A Restaurant Chain Ethical Case
  • Ethical, Legal and Multicultural Challenges in a Crisis
  • Ethical Decision Making: Restorative Justice
  • Affordable Care Act in Ethical Theories
  • Nestle Company’s Child Labor and Business Ethics
  • Alcohol Industry and Business Ethics
  • Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go” and Major Ethical Dilemmas Raised
  • Contemporary Ethical Issues in Wal-Mart
  • Concept of Bioethics in Society
  • Ethical Controversies Surrounding John Watson and Little Albert
  • Ethical Issues on HIV/AIDS
  • Can Advertising to Children be Ethical?
  • Christian Doctrines and Environmental Degradation
  • Application of ethical theory
  • W. K. Clifford, ‘The Ethics of Belief’
  • Roles of Ethics in Psychological Research
  • Towards Understanding Baudrillard’s Seduction Ethics and how It Assists to Understand Modern Media
  • Ethics and Abortion
  • Knowledge Carries an Ethical Responsibility
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  • Social and Ethical Responsibility: Martin Shkreli Scandal
  • Microsoft Corporation’s Ethical Perspectives
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  • H&M Company Ethical Culture Analysis
  • Importance of Ethics in Research
  • McDonald’s Ethical and Moral Dilemma
  • Ethics and Faith in the Movie “Crimes and Misdemeanors”
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  • Data Ethics in Business
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  • Ethical Considerations in Future Research
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  • Global Poverty: The Ethical Dilemma
  • Ethical Decision-Making: Aristotle on the Sources of the Ethical Life
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  • An Ethical Dilemma – Religious Belief Versus Medical Practice
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  • Ethical Issues in Terri Schiavo Case
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  • American International Group Coping with Financial and Ethical Risks
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  • Ethical and Social Responsibility Toward Environment
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  • Kant’s Deontological Ethics Review
  • Adopting a Shelter Pet as an Ethical Decision
  • Rolling Stone Magazine’s Ethical and Legal Issues
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  • Ethical Issues in Management Researches
  • Ethical Issues of Death and Dying
  • Ethical Dilemma and Environmental Surveillance
  • Counseling Ethics in Tarasoff vs. Regents Case
  • Benetton’s Shocking Advertising and Its Ethics
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  • H. B. Fuller and His Resistol Products Ethical Case
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  • A Case for Global Ethics
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  • Cultural Clash in the Board Room: An Ethical Dilemma Among Top Management in Almond China
  • Quebec Bridge Collapse and Ethical Issues
  • Ethical Issues in Staffing Measurement
  • Concept of Nicomachean Ethics in Philosophy
  • Ethical Hacking: Bad in a Good Way
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  • The Ethical Dilemma: Siemens
  • Ethical Issues in the Workplace: Gilbane Gold
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  • Professional Values and Ethics
  • Ethical Issue: Toxic Workplace Culture
  • Medical Ethics: Withholding Information From Patients
  • The National Contract Management Association’s Code of Ethics
  • Ethics of Discovery in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
  • An Ethical Dilemma and Lapse in Business
  • Ethical Dilemma of a 2016 TV Commercial for Milk by Juhayna
  • Purdue Pharma’s Marketing and Ethical Implications
  • Ethical Dilemma: The Missing Needle Protector
  • Medical Ethics of Westwood Imaging Centers
  • Ethical Dilemmas: An Analysis of Two Cases
  • The American College of Healthcare Executives Code of Ethics
  • The Role of Ethics in “Gone Baby Gone”
  • Homeland Security. The Ethics of Intelligence Collection
  • Ethical Issues Raised by Edward Snowden’s Whistleblowing
  • Media Law and Ethics: Integrity in Media Broadcasting
  • Using Food Preservatives Ethical
  • Ethics in Nursing: The Most Important Ethical Principles
  • Bayview University’s College: Ethical Behavior of Business Students
  • Journalism: Media Law and Ethics
  • The Ethical Issues Facing the Nutriset Company
  • Justice and Ethical Responsibility in Society
  • Ethical Issues of the Boston Tunnel Event
  • Bhopal Gas Incident of 1984: Ethical Issues
  • ANA Code of Ethics and Care Management and Coordination in Nursing
  • Ethical Nursing Care and Patient Autonomy
  • Joe Smith and Bill Bateman: Ethical Dilemma Analysis
  • Walmart Corporation’s Business Ethics in Mexico
  • Post-Dated Cheque Ethical Dilemma in Accounting
  • “The Ethics of Belief” by William K. Clifford
  • Personal Ethics Philosophy, Beliefs, and Attitudes
  • Dante’s Ethical System in His Divine Comedy
  • Ethical and Social Implications of Testing
  • Ethical, Moral, and Legal Leadership in Nursing
  • Trust in Business Ethics and Customer Relationship
  • Ethical Egoism in “Freedom in Action” by Savater
  • Academic Dishonesty in Psychologist’s Ethics
  • Valeant Pharmaceuticals: Ethical Evaluation
  • Food Ethics
  • Ethical Concept in “Blood Diamonds” Film by Edward Zwick
  • Issue of Nepotism in Business Ethics
  • Moral and Ethical Issues and the Foundation of Special Education
  • Ethical Culture Audit: Corporate Policies and Norms
  • Aristotle’s Ethical Theory
  • Louis Pojman’s Ethical Theory
  • Human Service Professionals: The Ethical Standards
  • New Belgium Brewing: Ethical and Environmental Responsibility
  • Reflection on Professional Ethics of Counselors
  • Ethical Issues of Surrogacy in Panama
  • Academic Ghostwriting: Ethical Issues
  • Walmart Manages Ethics and Compliance Challenges
  • The Milgram Experiment and Ethical Issues
  • Utilitarianism: Ethical Theory in Healthcare
  • Environmental Ethics: Gender Equity and Education
  • The Ethical Dimension of Family Therapy
  • Ethics of Television Reality Shows
  • Emotional and Ethical Appeal in Art Spiegelman’s “Maus”
  • Ethics of Organ Transplantation Regarding Lifestyle Choices
  • The Essentials of Research Ethics
  • Ethical Relativism: Major Challenges
  • Research Misconduct: A Case Study on Dr. Makoto Suzuki
  • Aristotle’s Philosophy and Views on Ethics
  • The Ethical Obligation for Nurses in Making a DNR Decision
  • The PREE Model of Ethical Thinking Framework
  • Kantian Ethics Definition and Description
  • Ethical Leadership and Ethical Lens Invention
  • Aristotle’s Ethical Theory and Nursing
  • Ethics in Healthcare: The United Arab Emirates
  • Surrogacy and Its Ethical Implications on Nursing
  • Ethical Virtues and Vices
  • The Ethical Issues Associated With Organ Transplantation
  • Blood Transfusion Code of Ethics
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
  • Concepts of Police Ethics and Deviance
  • Pharmacy Law, Regulations and Ethics
  • Ethics and Educational Requirement
  • NASW Code of Ethics: Sexual Contact with Clients
  • Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
  • Principles of Clinical Ethics and Their Application to Practice
  • Poor Ethics Examples from World-Famous Companies Comparison
  • Hindu Ethics: Definition and Traditional Understanding
  • Ethics Theories in the Criminal Justice Field
  • Personal Christian Ethics Statement
  • The Responsibility To Protect (R2P) Concept: Ethics and Moral Values Introduction
  • Ethics in Workplace: The Kolb’s Theory
  • Ethics. Obligation, Ideals, Effects
  • Social Work and Codes of Ethics
  • Toyota Motor Corporation: Ethical Issue
  • Ethical Dilemma in Journalism
  • Ethical Aspect of Hunting: Dilemma of Hunting Ethics
  • Ethics Setting the Condom Vending Machines in the High-School Area
  • Gattaca: Ethical Issues of Genetic Engineering
  • Code of Ethics Paper for Nurses
  • Ethical Dilemma of Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
  • Ethics in Marketing: Product Safety and Pricing
  • Egoism: Ethical and Psychological Egoism
  • Role of Ethics in Advertising
  • Ethical Decision Making in Everyday Work Situations
  • Ethical Dilemma in Mental Health Patient Care
  • The Role of Business Ethics
  • Ethics in the Modern World
  • Social Worker’s Personal and Professional Ethics
  • Wasta (Nepotism) Ethical Dilemma at the Workplace
  • “Before Teaching Ethics, Stop Kidding Yourself” by Marino Gordon
  • Indian Metals Corporation’s Operations Ethics
  • Ethical Issue: Accessibility and Affordability of Healthcare
  • Moral Principles and Personal Ethics
  • The Code of Ethics: Royal Caribbean Cruise Case
  • Brenda Franklin: Business Ethics Case
  • Corporate Ethics and Organizational Culture Relationship
  • Puma Company’s Business Conduct and Ethics
  • Hyundai Dispatch Workers and Ethical Dilemma
  • California Micro Devices Company: Ethical Dilemma
  • The Ethical Decision-Making Model
  • Arranged Marriage and Its Ethical Dilemma
  • Strategic and Ethical Leadership Styles Comparison
  • Ethical Behavior as to Returned Food and Beverages
  • Ethics in “The Clockwork Orange” Film by Kubrick
  • Business Ethics and Its Importance Today
  • Costco Company’s Business Diversity, Ethics, Leadership
  • Ethics and Gender: Empowering Societies
  • Core Ethical Values of a Lawyer
  • Lockheed Martin’s Corporate Ethics
  • Milgram’s Experiment on Obedience: Ethical Issues
  • Public Speaking: Ethics and Critical Thinking
  • The Barangaroo South Development Project Ethical Case
  • The Ethics of Torture
  • General Motors Company Ethical Issues
  • Legal and Ethical Implications for Classroom Management
  • The ICN Code and ANA Code of Nursing Ethics
  • Caterpillar Company’s Ethical Problems
  • Confucian Ethics
  • Ethical Code of Conduct for Psychologists
  • Muhammad’s Personality and Character Ethics Inspired Muslim’s Way of Life
  • Ethical Issues in Supervision of Postgraduate Research Students
  • Ethical Issues in “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad
  • Ethics in the Hospitality Industry
  • Business Ethics: Enron
  • Ethical Issue: Whistleblowing
  • Ethical Failures in Research
  • Case Involving the Model of Ethical Decision-Making
  • Resolving Issues with Ethical Decision Making Process
  • How Business Ethics Reflected In Milk Powder Production
  • Ethics in the Film “A Time to Kill”
  • Counselor ethical boundaries and practices assignment
  • Foundations of Bureaucratic Ethics
  • Enron’s (USA) and Parmalat’s (Italy) ‘Scandals’ of 2003/2004: Ethical Issues and Criticisms
  • “The Ethics of Leadership” by Ciulla Joanne
  • Ethical and Moral Dilemma: McDonald’s
  • Cultural Relativism and Ethics: Ethical Issues and Context
  • Business Law and Ethics
  • Vodafone Company and Ethical Principles
  • ASPA Code of Ethics
  • Psychological Egoism vs Ethical Egoism
  • FedEx: Implementing Business Ethics
  • An Ethics Program for a Small Business Venture
  • Media Ethics: Towards Employing Utilitarianism and Kantian Theory in Examining Practical Ethical Issues
  • Introduction on Professional Values and Ethics
  • Workplace Health & Safety: The Ethical Dilemmas
  • Ethics of Cloning
  • Sainsbury’s and Nokia: Political, Ethical, Economic, and Legal Issues
  • “Eat Drink Man Woman”: Confucian Ethics and Traditional Chinese Family Life
  • Can Capitalism Be Ethical?
  • Ethical Issues for Defense Attorneys and Persecutors
  • The Investigation of Ethical Issues in The Tell-Tale Heart and The Pond
  • Environmental Ethics: Land Ethic and the Platform of Deep Ecology
  • The Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Behavior of Qantas Airways
  • Ethics in the Healthcare Delivery
  • The Belmont Report Ethical Principles and Guidelines
  • Luxury Fashion Market and Ethics
  • Code of Conduct and Ethics in School
  • The Lego Company’s High Ethical Standards
  • Campus Rape: Ethical and Social Aspects
  • Ethical Question on Producing Eggs From Caged Chicken
  • The American Counseling Association: Code of Ethics
  • Ethics: Utilitarian, Deontological, and Kohlberg’s Theory
  • Information System Fundamentals and ACS Code of Ethics
  • Ethics of Emergency Care and Patient Consent
  • Work Ethics & Goals: Organizational Behavior
  • “Virtue Ethics and Adultery” by Raja Halwani
  • Bio- and Anthropocentrism in Environmental Ethics
  • Code of Ethics Concept: Toyota Motor
  • Business Ethics in John Q. and Wall Street Movies
  • Ergonomics in Job and Workplace Design
  • Ethics in Educational Leadership: Theory & Practice
  • Altruism and Objectivism in Ayn Rand’s Ethics
  • Culture and Ethical Beliefs: International Marketing Strategy
  • Ethical and Legal Implications in Healthcare
  • Ethics in Action: Use of VMD in Car Protection
  • Corporate Responsibility at Walmart
  • Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Ethical Behavior in Criminal Justice
  • Catholic vs. Principle-Based Ethics
  • Abortion-Related Ethical Considerations
  • Ethical Dilemma in Law Enforcement: Confidentiality and Misuse of Information
  • Ethics and Validity in the Research Process
  • Approaches to the Environmental Ethics
  • The Atlanta Police Department’s Code of Ethics
  • Culture, Ethics, and Law: Ethical Theory and Moral Practice
  • The Ethical Use of Technology in Healthcare
  • Moral Dilemmas in Business Ethics
  • Ethical Dilemma of Stopping City Authority
  • Are Our Business and Ethics Compatible?
  • Are Confucianism and Islamic Ethics Applicable in the Contemporary World?
  • Are Some Bribes More Harmful Than Others?
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  • Does the Ethics Committee Indian Scenario Adequately safeguard Trial Participants?
  • Can Technologies Determine Modern Social Customs and Ethics?
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  • Did Thomas Jefferson Abandon His Ethics for the Lousiana?
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  • Does Collectivism Affect Environmental Ethics?
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  • Does Ethics Training Neutralize the Incentives of the Prisoner’s Dilemma?
  • Does Studying Ethics Affect Moral Views?
  • Does the United States Government Have Environmental Ethics?
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  • How Are Personal Ethics Developed?
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  • Why Are Environmental Ethics Important in the Preservation of the Natural Environment?
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Ethics Topics for Research Papers: 140+ Ideas

ethics topics

Derived from the Greek word “ethos,” meaning “way of living,” ethics is a branch of philosophy that involves well-founded standards of right and wrong, as well as just and unjust behaviors. By defining concepts such as right, wrong, vice, justice, and crime, ethics examines an individual’s behavior in society.

When writing an ethics research paper, the first step is to come up with an appropriate ethics topic. Framing a research project on ethics requires understanding essential principles like honesty, morals, and integrity, and demonstrating the findings needed to support your hypothesis. This fundamental research can be challenging for many students, particularly those who have chosen complex research topics. Therefore, the first step is brainstorming excellent ethical topics to transform this challenging process into a smooth journey.

With this in mind, we are here to help ease this burden. This blog post compiles over 140+ captivating ethics topics across various disciplines. Each of these topics will assist you in writing a persuasive research paper that will captivate your readers and impress your professors.

Table of Contents

Ethics Comes in a Variety of Forms

Over the centuries, different philosophers have proposed numerous ethical theories. Before diving into the ethical topics that we have categorized, it is crucial to understand the various types of ethics. Ethics can be broadly classified into four branches, as follows:

Descriptive ethics: This branch of ethics deals with the theory that explains the moral norms, attitudes, and practices that societies believe to be right or wrong. It examines how people actually behave and the moral standards they claim to follow.

Normative or prescriptive ethics: The study of “norms” or “principles” that determine what is morally right or wrong and accordingly holds individuals accountable. In simpler terms, this is the study of “ethical actions.” Deontological ethics, virtue ethics, consequentialism, and Nishkam Karmayoga are some examples of normative theories.

Meta-ethics: Meta-ethics studies the nature of ethics as a whole. This branch of ethics analyzes the foundations of our ethical principles and why we use them daily. It involves the investigation of the meaning and justification of moral claims, as well as the nature of moral values and properties.

Applied ethics: This is the most practical branch of ethics. Applied ethics involves the general principles that we apply in our daily lives. This branch deals with the philosophical examination, from a moral standpoint, of specific issues in various fields, such as medicine, business, and the environment.

Selecting the Right Research Topic in Ethics

To create an engaging research paper, the initial step is to select a high-quality research topic that will make your research stand out from the crowd. To score excellent grades, you must develop captivating ethics topics of your choice. Here are a few tips that will help you choose the best option among all the ethics paper topics:

  • When framing an ethical research paper, consider choosing a research topic with enough supporting facts, evidence, and details. Avoid any false or fabricated data, as it can ruin the credibility of your paper.
  • Select topics involving complex on-going issues or moral quandaries, as they would pique the interest of your professors. Look for topics that are occasionally covered by the media.
  • Try to write your research concisely, making it interesting, informative, and relevant. Overly long research is a major turnoff for readers.
  • Search for unsolved research paradigms that will allow you to include your opinions and arguments.
  • Engage in critical thinking on the best topics. Narrow down some of the best topics that spark your and your readers’ interests and will expand their knowledge.

Identifying the perfect topic that suits all your requirements can be challenging. You can use the tips mentioned above to identify the best topics that meet your needs. However, depending on individual students, this process can still be time-consuming. Instead of brainstorming for hours, delving into research, and writing lengthy research papers , you can seek professional assistance from our research paper writers.

140+ Ethics Topics for Research Papers

Crafting a research paper on ethics can be more challenging than it initially appears. This is because, while most people understand basic ethical values, their interpretations can vary significantly. Ethics is not just about black and white; it delves much deeper into the shades of grey. In this article, our experts from Edumagnate.com have provided you with an extensive list of ethics topics to help jumpstart your research paper. For a better understanding, we recommend reading through each list thoroughly.

Compelling Topics on Ethical Issues

Ethical dilemmas arise when individuals must evaluate whether their actions are morally right. Topics related to such dilemmas often explore complex questions, requiring one to defend their position convincingly. These ethical issues span various fields, including religion, psychology, and sociology. Consequently, incorporating perspectives from these disciplines can help create a unique and insightful research paper.

  • Ethical Codes for Sports Refereeing
  • Ethical issues in animal research
  • The ethical issues with euthanasia
  • Ethical Issues in Sports Administration
  • Legal Ethics in National and international businesses
  • Organizational Ethics and Individual Responsibility
  • Understanding sports ethics as a significant tool for accessing moral behavior in sports
  • The Ethical Challenges and Controversies of Healthcare Reform
  • The Challenge of Terri Schiavo from an ethical perspective
  • The Ethical Issues of Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Ethical Issues with Abortion
  • Sports ethics: use of drugs in sports competition
  • Healthcare systems and associated healthcare ethics
  • Ethical and cultural issues with group work
  • Political and socioeconomic issues amongst different nations
  • Religion and Ethics in healthcare provisions
  • Ethical Issues and Concerns of a professional sports person
  • The ethical side of Motorsports
  • The foundation of computer ethics

Since ethics is a branch of philosophy, students can also consider choosing philosophy research topics.

Social Media Business Ethics Topics

To make things easier, our experts have enumerated a list of the most interesting social media business ethics topics for you. These topics are thoroughly reviewed in depth to ensure optimum results for students. Check them out!

  • An Introduction to social media ethics
  • Is the notion of “controversial fit” on social media ethical?
  • Enhancing business performance on social media without eroding business ethics
  • The ethical judgment of consumers and controversial advertising avoidance on social media
  • Managing ethical responses on social media: effective guidance for business entrepreneurs
  • The ethical environment in online communities: information credibility from a social media standpoint
  • Employing big data in business organizations and business ethics
  • Social media business ethics: a view from the trenches
  • Corporate Firing for sharing questionable social media posts: a detailed analysis
  • What is the role of social media ethics in achieving responsible business?
  • The Influence of social media ethics on Enhancing the effective online presence of Businesses
  • The Influence of social media ethics in the ongoing industries
  • Social media ethics and Etiquette
  • The Impact of social media ethics on Businesses
  • The Ethical Issues of Colonizing Mars
  • Social media ethics and journalism: a detailed analysis
  • The ethical implications of social media: issues and recommendations for entrepreneurs

The Best Bio-Medical Ethics Topics

If you’re interested in bio-medical, then consider choosing a research topic from the following list of suggestions:

  • A detailed analysis of the relationship between medical ethics and religious beliefs
  • Medical Ethics in Asia versus Europe
  • Medical ethics: a detailed analysis
  • Ethical Issues in stem cell research and Therapy
  • The ethical issues and legal considerations with euthanasia
  • Ethical behavioral issues and Problems in Medicine
  • A detailed analysis for monitoring the application of idol ethics in medical fields
  • The ethical challenges and Considerations for practicing medicine overseas
  • Ethical Considerations for the Inclusion of pregnant women as research participants
  • How do medical ethics confront religious beliefs?
  • Bio-ethics versus medical ethics: a comparative analysis
  • Contemporary medical ethics: a research analysis of Iran
  • Ethical issues, including bioethics (conduct a case study)
  • Principles of bio-medical ethics
  • Human testing of drugs: is it ethical?
  • Debunking the Ethics of Neuroenhancement
  • The imperativeness of medical ethics
  • The perception of biomedical ethics
  • The Ethics of Development: an integral Approach

Read Also – Interesting biology research topics

Bioethics Research Paper Topics

Bioethics talks about topics related to health, life, genetics, neurology, and even plastic surgery. Research paper topics in bioethics are brilliant topics to write about. The following list is a compilation of 20 bioethics research paper topics that you can consider:

  • Ethical conflicts over disclosure and barring services
  • Bioethics: Why is philosophy essential for progress?
  • Contemporary Issues in Bioethics
  • A critical understanding of the ethical responsibilities associated with CRISPR
  • Bioethics and stem cell research
  • 5 strange and sinister medical procedures from History
  • Bioethics and political ideology: The case of active voluntary euthanasia
  • Availability of vaccines for everyone: an overview
  • The ethics of brain-boosting
  • Euthanasia: An Overview and the Jewish Perspective
  • The legal and ethical considerations of dealing with a brain-dead person
  • A descriptive analysis of Bioethics in Society
  • Ethics and genetic engineering—lessons to learn
  • Islam and bioethics: Beyond abortion and euthanasia
  • Exploring the ethical principles and Practice of plastic surgery
  • Pediatric neuroenhancement: ethical, legal, social, and neurodevelopmental implications
  • Bioethics, disability, and death: Uncovering cultural bias in the euthanasia debate
  • Secular Bioethics and Euthanasia in a democratic public space

Read Also – 200+ Science Research Topics

Medical Ethics Topics to Score Excellent Grades

The list of medical ethics topics below can assist you with some of these amazing medical ethics topics. For a better understanding, consider reading each topic among these recommendations:

  • Is physician-assisted suicide legal? Is it ethical?
  • The ethical and legal issues with surrogacy
  • The Ethical and Medical Implications of Circumcision
  • The Ethics of Surrogacy
  • The ethics of abortion: Is it ethically right?
  • Ethical and policy issues associated with uterine transplants
  • Ethical considerations associated with living donations: an overview
  • The Ethics of Condemned Prisoner Organ Donation
  • Ethical theories and laws associated with medical ethics
  • The Ethics of employing human embryos in genetic engineering research
  • Medical ethics dilemma: an overview
  • The ethical perspectives of the Nightingale pledge
  • The ethics of animal research
  • Current ethical issues and Challenges in Healthcare
  • Religion, beliefs, and medical ethics: an overview
  • Bioethics, human rights, and childbirth
  • Understanding Morality without ethics

Enthralling Computing Ethics Topics

Technological advancements have revolutionized all facets of human existence. Computer ethics encompass a collection of fundamental principles aimed at addressing concerns associated with the improper use of computers and outlining preventive measures. The list provided below features some of the most compelling ethical research topics in the realm of computer ethics.

  • Should ethics boards be required for IT companies?
  • Discussing the risks associated with keeping sensitive data online.
  • Is hacking a moral act?
  • Examine the ethical issues raised by artificial intelligence.
  • Exploring computer privacy-related problems and their solutions
  • The moral dilemmas associated with drone use
  • Evaluating the moral implications of internet users’ Anonymity
  • Ethical prevention of cyberbullying: What can be done for a permanent termination?
  • Sabotaging others’ computers: how is this ethically wrong?
  • Mapping the foundationalist debate in computer ethics
  • A method in computer ethics: Towards a multi-level interdisciplinary approach
  • Computer ethics: the significance of personal, formal, and informal codes
  • Gender and computer ethics
  • Reasons, relativity, and Responsibility in computer ethics
  • The Ethics of Computing: A Survey of the computing-oriented Literature
  • Computer Ethics and moral methodology
  • The ethics of online Anonymity or Zuckerberg vs.” Moot.”
  • Propose an educational plan for computer ethics and information security

Research Paper Topics in Sports Ethics

Sports ethics extend beyond mere behavior and thought processes, as they are fundamentally rooted in respect, fairness, integrity, and responsibility within the sports arena. Athletes often face dilemmas regarding what actions to take or avoid due to the ethical considerations in sports. Although this subject can be complex, a deep understanding allows for exceptional research on sports ethics. Here are some example topics:

  • Sports Ethics: An Anthology
  • Ethics in sports
  • Performance-enhancing drugs in sport: The ethical issue
  • The key components of sports ethics
  • The primary moral obligations of athletes
  • The imperativeness of ethics in sports
  • A detailed analysis of the ethical responsibilities of a sportsperson
  • Are professional sporting activities moral in today’s society?
  • The Paralympic Games and the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • Athletes’ healthcare and ethical Concerns
  • Impact of ethical behavior outside the Pitch
  • The moral dimensions of Motorsports
  • Child exploitation to become elite athletes
  • Moral and ethical responsibilities of a sportsperson
  • How do people enter the world of professional sports, and what ethical issues do they face?
  • Alienation of sports from real life
  • How sports and games serve as the primary outlet for human ethics
  • Sports ethics and medicine
  • The unique ethics of sports medicine

Top-Notch Business Ethics Topics

Your ethics paper topic on business must be engaging and provide a practical solution to the ongoing economic challenges. Here is a compilation of some of the best business ethical topics for research papers. Each topic on this list will allow you to draft an excellent research paper and earn brilliant grades. Read on.

  • Roots of business ethics in Psychology
  • A Model of business ethics
  • A detailed study of the ethical philosophy behind Bitcoin
  • The unique connection between business success and personal integrity
  • Moral Leadership and Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior
  • How closely can managers monitor their employees’ behavior?
  • Business ethics and social responsibility education: shifting the worldview
  • Ethical behaviors and economic rationality: an overview
  • Business ethics and social responsibilities
  • Who determines whether private or personal information should be collected?
  • The business ethics case of McDonald’s
  • Understanding and preventing ethical failures in leadership
  • Ethical Dilemmas in Conducting Business
  • Moral policing: It’s more business than ideology.
  • Data Security Enhancement and Business Ethics
  • Perceptions of business ethics: Students vs. business people
  • American business culture and ethical norms
  • Does business ethics make economic sense?
  • Moral Leadership and business ethics
  • Business Ethics in Islam: the glaring gap in Practice

Read Also – Business Research Topics

Criminal Justice Research Topics in Ethics

We always hear how law enforcement is made to protect the commoner’s rights. Unfortunately, it is not always the case. These law enforcers sometimes end up in morally ambiguous situations. Now and then, we often hear news about how a fellow police officer exploited a commoner. So, if this topic piques your interest, this list might be helpful for you. Below are some interesting topics in criminal justice ethics.

  • The Codes of ethics for criminal justice
  • Integrity in the Criminal Justice System
  • A detailed analysis of the ethics of criminal justice
  • Model affairs and impartial statutory policies.
  • Arguments for and against capital punishment
  • Discussion on the ethical ramifications of the “innocent until proven guilty” principle
  • Examination of the Stanford Prison Experiment’s ethical issues.
  • What moral ramifications do school shooter exercises have?
  • Discuss if Julian Assange’s prosecution is appropriate.
  • Examining the ethical difficulties of privatized prisons
  • Imprisonment of young offenders: Is it ethically right?
  • Ethics in criminal justice: theory and practices
  • Ethical Dilemmas and decisions in criminal justice

Read Also – 150 Advanced Law Research Paper Topics

Environmental Ethics Topics

If you are willing to compare and contrast topics for environmental ethics, you can take ideas from some of the below-given research topics. Read through the entire list, narrow down the best topics, and finally, set your tone to make your point.

  • An Introduction to environmental ethics
  • The bio-ethical standards of Coca-Cola
  • A detailed study of the global warming ethics
  • Assessing the US Government’s environmental ethics
  • Should companies be held accountable for preserving the environment?
  • A deeper look at the EU Administration’s environmental policy and commercial ethics
  • Environmental Regulations and business ethics
  • A detailed study on the primary environmental and ethical issues in business?
  • Ethics of setting up residential structures in sensitive habitats.
  • Animal testing in the cosmetic industry
  • Recreational environmental ethics: A more detailed examination of the effects of hunting
  • Ethical evaluation of initiatives to combat climate change
  • Commercial whaling: an ethical analysis
  • A detailed evaluation of insider trading: can we call it ethical?
  • Is there a moral case for pollution trade-off programmers?
  • What do people think about good versus bad ethics?
  • Electric vehicles can help rescue the environment.
  • Tax evasion and tax avoidance: what exactly is legally right?
  • A critical evaluation of the global warming ethics
  • Pollution trade-off programs: are they ethically justified?
  • Ethical Analysis of climate change mitigation efforts

Read Also – List of 150 Enticing Chemistry Research Topics

Final Thoughts

From the array of ethics topics provided, choose one that captures your interest and aligns with your academic preferences. We hope this list proves insightful for your upcoming research paper. If you ever feel stuck, remember that help is available!

Consider using our paper help service if you’re searching for a topic for your research proposal, thesis , dissertation, or any other academic writing. Our skilled paper helpers can assist you in developing a unique ethics research paper topic. Should you require expert guidance, don’t hesitate to seek outstanding writing assistance at a reasonable price.

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100 Questions (and Answers) About Research Ethics

Emily Anderson

SAGE Publications Ltd

Research, questionnaires

978-1-5063-4868-1

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Introduction: What is Research Ethics?

Research Ethics is defined here to be the ethics of the planning, conduct, and reporting of research. This introduction covers what research ethics is, its ethical distinctions, approaches to teaching research ethics, and other resources on this topic.

What is Research Ethics

Why Teach Research Ethics

Animal Subjects

Biosecurity

Collaboration

Conflicts of Interest

Data Management

Human Subjects

Peer Review

Publication

Research Misconduct

Social Responsibility

Stem Cell Research

Whistleblowing

Descriptions of educational settings , including in the classroom, and in research contexts.

Case Studies

Other Discussion Tools

Information about the history and authors of the Resources for Research Ethics Collection

What is Research Ethics?

Research Ethics is defined here to be the ethics of the planning, conduct, and reporting of research. It is clear that research ethics should include:

  • Protections of human and animal subjects

However, not all researchers use human or animal subjects, nor are the ethical dimensions of research confined solely to protections for research subjects. Other ethical challenges are rooted in many dimensions of research, including the:

  • Collection, use, and interpretation of research data
  • Methods for reporting and reviewing research plans or findings
  • Relationships among researchers with one another
  • Relationships between researchers and those that will be affected by their research
  • Means for responding to misunderstandings, disputes, or misconduct
  • Options for promoting ethical conduct in research

The domain of research ethics is intended to include nothing less than the fostering of research that protects the interests of the public, the subjects of research, and the researchers themselves.

Ethical Distinctions

In discussing or teaching research ethics, it is important to keep some basic distinctions in mind.

  • It is important not to confuse moral claims about how people ought to behave with descriptive claims about how they in fact do behave. From the fact that gift authorship or signing off on un-reviewed data may be "common practice" in some contexts, it doesn't follow that they are morally or professionally justified. Nor is morality to be confused with the moral beliefs or ethical codes that a given group or society holds (how some group thinks people should live). A belief in segregation is not morally justified simply because it is widely held by a group of people or given society. Philosophers term this distinction between prescriptive and descriptive claims the 'is-ought distinction.'  
  • A second important distinction is that between morality and the law. The law may or may not conform to the demands of ethics (Kagan, 1998). To take a contemporary example: many believe that the law prohibiting federally funded stem cell research is objectionable on moral (as well as scientific) grounds, i.e., that such research can save lives and prevent much human misery. History is full of examples of bad laws, that is laws now regarded as morally unjustifiable, e.g., the laws of apartheid, laws prohibiting women from voting or inter-racial couples from marrying.  
  • It is also helpful to distinguish between two different levels of discussion (or two different kinds of ethical questions): first-order or "ground-level" questions and second-order questions.  
  • First-order moral questions concern what we should do. Such questions may be very general or quite specific. One might ask whether the tradition of 'senior' authorship should be defended and preserved or, more generally, what are the principles that should go into deciding the issue of 'senior' authorship. Such questions and the substantive proposals regarding how to answer them belong to the domain of what moral philosophers call 'normative ethics.'  
  • Second-order moral questions concern the nature and purpose of morality itself. When someone claims that falsifying data is wrong, what exactly is the standing of this claim? What exactly does the word 'wrong' mean in the conduct of scientific research? And what are we doing when we make claims about right and wrong, scientific integrity and research misconduct? These second-order questions are quite different from the ground-level questions about how to conduct one's private or professional life raised above. They concern the nature of morality rather than its content, i.e., what acts are required, permitted or prohibited. This is the domain of what moral philosophers call 'metaethics' (Kagan, 1998).

Ethical Approaches

Each of these approaches provides moral principles and ways of thinking about the responsibilities, duties and obligations of moral life. Individually and jointly, they can provide practical guidance in ethical decision-making.

  • One of the most influential and familiar approaches to ethics is deontological ethics, associated with Immanuel Kant (1742-1804). Deontological ethics hold certain acts as right or wrong in themselves, e.g., promise breaking or lying. So, for example, in the context of research, fraud, plagiarism and misrepresentation are regarded as morally wrong in themselves, not simply because they (tend to) have bad consequences. The deontological approach is generally grounded in a single fundamental principle: Act as you would wish others to act towards you OR always treat persons as an end, never as a means to an end.  
  • From such central principles are derived rules or guidelines for what is permitted, required and prohibited. Objections to principle-based or deontological ethics include the difficulty of applying highly general principles to specific cases, e.g.: Does treating persons as ends rule out physician-assisted suicide, or require it? Deontological ethics is generally contrasted to consequentialist ethics (Honderich, 1995).  
  • According to consequentialist approaches, the rightness or wrongness of an action depends solely on its consequences. One should act in such a way as to bring about the best state of affairs, where the best state of affairs may be understood in various ways, e.g., as the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain or maximizing the satisfaction of preferences. A theory such as Utilitarianism (with its roots in the work of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill) is generally taken as the paradigm example of consequentialism. Objections to consequentialist ethics tend to focus on its willingness to regard individual rights and values as "negotiable." So, for example, most people would regard murder as wrong independently of the fact that killing one person might allow several others to be saved (the infamous sacrifice of an ailing patient to provide organs for several other needy patients). Similarly, widespread moral opinion holds certain values important (integrity, justice) not only because they generally lead to good outcomes, but in and of themselves.
  • Virtue ethics focuses on moral character rather than action and behavior considered in isolation. Central to this approach is the question what ought we (as individuals, as scientists, as physicians) to be rather than simply what we ought to do. The emphasis here is on inner states, that is, moral dispositions and habits such as courage or a developed sense of personal integrity. Virtue ethics can be a useful approach in the context of RCR and professional ethics, emphasizing the importance of moral virtues such as compassion, honesty, and respect. This approach has also a great deal to offer in discussions of bioethical issues where a traditional emphasis on rights and abstract principles frequently results in polarized, stalled discussions (e.g., abortion debates contrasting the rights of the mother against the rights of the fetus).  
  • The term 'an ethics of care' grows out of the work of Carol Gilligan, whose empirical work in moral psychology claimed to discover a "different voice," a mode of moral thinking distinct from principle-based moral thinking (e.g., the theories of Kant and Mill). An ethics of care stresses compassion and empathetic understanding, virtues Gilligan associated with traditional care-giving roles, especially those of women.  
  • This approach differs from traditional moral theories in two important ways. First, it assumes that it is the connections between persons, e.g., lab teams, colleagues, parents and children, student and mentor, not merely the rights and obligations of discrete individuals that matter. The moral world, on this view, is best seen not as the interaction of discrete individuals, each with his or her own interests and rights, but as an interrelated web of obligations and commitment. We interact, much of the time, not as private individuals, but as members of families, couples, institutions, research groups, a given profession and so on. Second, these human relationships, including relationships of dependency, play a crucial role on this account in determining what our moral obligations and responsibilities are. So, for example, individuals have special responsibilities to care for their children, students, patients, and research subjects.  
  • An ethics of care is thus particularly useful in discussing human and animal subjects research, issues of informed consent, and the treatment of vulnerable populations such as children, the infirm or the ill.  
  • The case study approach begins from real or hypothetical cases. Its objective is to identify the intuitively plausible principles that should be taken into account in resolving the issues at hand. The case study approach then proceeds to critically evaluate those principles. In discussing whistle-blowing, for example, a good starting point is with recent cases of research misconduct, seeking to identify and evaluate principles such as a commitment to the integrity of science, protecting privacy, or avoiding false or unsubstantiated charges. In the context of RCR instruction, case studies provide one of the most interesting and effective approaches to developing sensitivity to ethical issues and to honing ethical decision-making skills.  
  • Strictly speaking, casuistry is more properly understood as a method for doing ethics rather than as itself an ethical theory. However, casuistry is not wholly unconnected to ethical theory. The need for a basis upon which to evaluate competing principles, e.g., the importance of the well-being of an individual patient vs. a concern for just allocation of scarce medical resources, makes ethical theory relevant even with case study approaches.  
  • Applied ethics is a branch of normative ethics. It deals with practical questions particularly in relation to the professions. Perhaps the best known area of applied ethics is bioethics, which deals with ethical questions arising in medicine and the biological sciences, e.g., questions concerning the application of new areas of technology (stem cells, cloning, genetic screening, nanotechnology, etc.), end of life issues, organ transplants, and just distribution of healthcare. Training in responsible conduct of research or "research ethics" is merely one among various forms of professional ethics that have come to prominence since the 1960s. Worth noting, however, is that concern with professional ethics is not new, as ancient codes such as the Hippocratic Oath and guild standards attest (Singer, 1986).
  • Adams D, Pimple KD (2005): Research Misconduct and Crime: Lessons from Criminal Science on Preventing Misconduct and Promoting Integrity. Accountability in Research 12(3):225-240.
  • Anderson MS, Horn AS, Risbey KR, Ronning EA, De Vries R, Martinson BC (2007): What Do Mentoring and Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research Have To Do with Scientists' Misbehavior? Findings from a National Survey of NIH-Funded Scientists . Academic Medicine 82(9):853-860.
  • Bulger RE, Heitman E (2007): Expanding Responsible Conduct of Research Instruction across the University. Academic Medicine. 82(9):876-878.
  • Kalichman MW (2006): Ethics and Science: A 0.1% solution. Issues in Science and Technology 23:34-36.
  • Kalichman MW (2007): Responding to Challenges in Educating for the Responsible Conduct of Research, Academic Medicine. 82(9):870-875.
  • Kalichman MW, Plemmons DK (2007): Reported Goals for Responsible Conduct of Research Courses. Academic Medicine. 82(9):846-852.
  • Kalichman MW (2009): Evidence-based research ethics. The American Journal of Bioethics 9(6&7): 85-87.
  • Pimple KD (2002): Six Domains of Research Ethics: A Heuristic Framework for the Responsible Conduct of Research. Science and Engineering Ethics 8(2):191-205.
  • Steneck NH (2006): Fostering Integrity in Research: Definitions, Current Knowledge, and Future Directions. Science and Engineering Ethics 12:53-74.
  • Steneck NH, Bulger RE (2007): The History, Purpose, and Future of Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research. Academic Medicine. 82(9):829-834.
  • Vasgird DR (2007): Prevention over Cure: The Administrative Rationale for Education in the Responsible Conduct of Research. Academic Medicine. 82(9):835-837.
  • Aristotle. The Nichomachean Ethics.
  • Beauchamp RL, Childress JF (2001): Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 5th edition, NY: Oxford University Press.
  • Bentham, J (1781): An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation.
  • Gilligan C (1993): In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
  • Glover, Jonathan (1977): Penguin Books.
  • Honderich T, ed. (1995): The Oxford Companion to Philosophy, Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Kagan S (1998): Normative Ethics. Westview Press.
  • Kant I (1785): Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
  • Kant I (1788): Critique of Practical Reason.
  • Kant I (1797): The Metaphysics of Morals.
  • Kant I (1797): On a Supposed right to Lie from Benevolent Motives.
  • Kuhse H, Singer P (1999): Bioethics: An Anthology. Blackwell Publishers.
  • Mill JS (1861): Utilitarianism.
  • Rachels J (1999): The Elements of Moral Philosophy, 3rd edition, Boston: McGraw-Hill.
  • Regan T (1993): Matters of Life and Death: New Introductory Essays in Moral Philosophy, 3rd edition. New York: McGraw-Hill. The history of ethics.
  • Singer P (1993): Practical Ethics, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press.

The Resources for Research Ethics Education site was originally developed and maintained by Dr. Michael Kalichman, Director of the Research Ethics Program at the University of California San Diego. The site was transferred to the Online Ethics Center in 2021 with the permission of the author.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2055332. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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Your environment. your health., what is ethics in research & why is it important, by david b. resnik, j.d., ph.d..

December 23, 2020

The ideas and opinions expressed in this essay are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of the NIH, NIEHS, or US government.

ethic image decorative header

When most people think of ethics (or morals), they think of rules for distinguishing between right and wrong, such as the Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"), a code of professional conduct like the Hippocratic Oath ("First of all, do no harm"), a religious creed like the Ten Commandments ("Thou Shalt not kill..."), or a wise aphorisms like the sayings of Confucius. This is the most common way of defining "ethics": norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Most people learn ethical norms at home, at school, in church, or in other social settings. Although most people acquire their sense of right and wrong during childhood, moral development occurs throughout life and human beings pass through different stages of growth as they mature. Ethical norms are so ubiquitous that one might be tempted to regard them as simple commonsense. On the other hand, if morality were nothing more than commonsense, then why are there so many ethical disputes and issues in our society?

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One plausible explanation of these disagreements is that all people recognize some common ethical norms but interpret, apply, and balance them in different ways in light of their own values and life experiences. For example, two people could agree that murder is wrong but disagree about the morality of abortion because they have different understandings of what it means to be a human being.

Most societies also have legal rules that govern behavior, but ethical norms tend to be broader and more informal than laws. Although most societies use laws to enforce widely accepted moral standards and ethical and legal rules use similar concepts, ethics and law are not the same. An action may be legal but unethical or illegal but ethical. We can also use ethical concepts and principles to criticize, evaluate, propose, or interpret laws. Indeed, in the last century, many social reformers have urged citizens to disobey laws they regarded as immoral or unjust laws. Peaceful civil disobedience is an ethical way of protesting laws or expressing political viewpoints.

Another way of defining 'ethics' focuses on the disciplines that study standards of conduct, such as philosophy, theology, law, psychology, or sociology. For example, a "medical ethicist" is someone who studies ethical standards in medicine. One may also define ethics as a method, procedure, or perspective for deciding how to act and for analyzing complex problems and issues. For instance, in considering a complex issue like global warming , one may take an economic, ecological, political, or ethical perspective on the problem. While an economist might examine the cost and benefits of various policies related to global warming, an environmental ethicist could examine the ethical values and principles at stake.

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Many different disciplines, institutions , and professions have standards for behavior that suit their particular aims and goals. These standards also help members of the discipline to coordinate their actions or activities and to establish the public's trust of the discipline. For instance, ethical standards govern conduct in medicine, law, engineering, and business. Ethical norms also serve the aims or goals of research and apply to people who conduct scientific research or other scholarly or creative activities. There is even a specialized discipline, research ethics, which studies these norms. See Glossary of Commonly Used Terms in Research Ethics and Research Ethics Timeline .

There are several reasons why it is important to adhere to ethical norms in research. First, norms promote the aims of research , such as knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error. For example, prohibitions against fabricating , falsifying, or misrepresenting research data promote the truth and minimize error.

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Second, since research often involves a great deal of cooperation and coordination among many different people in different disciplines and institutions, ethical standards promote the values that are essential to collaborative work , such as trust, accountability, mutual respect, and fairness. For example, many ethical norms in research, such as guidelines for authorship , copyright and patenting policies , data sharing policies, and confidentiality rules in peer review, are designed to protect intellectual property interests while encouraging collaboration. Most researchers want to receive credit for their contributions and do not want to have their ideas stolen or disclosed prematurely.

Third, many of the ethical norms help to ensure that researchers can be held accountable to the public . For instance, federal policies on research misconduct, conflicts of interest, the human subjects protections, and animal care and use are necessary in order to make sure that researchers who are funded by public money can be held accountable to the public.

Fourth, ethical norms in research also help to build public support for research. People are more likely to fund a research project if they can trust the quality and integrity of research.

Finally, many of the norms of research promote a variety of other important moral and social values , such as social responsibility, human rights, animal welfare, compliance with the law, and public health and safety. Ethical lapses in research can significantly harm human and animal subjects, students, and the public. For example, a researcher who fabricates data in a clinical trial may harm or even kill patients, and a researcher who fails to abide by regulations and guidelines relating to radiation or biological safety may jeopardize his health and safety or the health and safety of staff and students.

Codes and Policies for Research Ethics

Given the importance of ethics for the conduct of research, it should come as no surprise that many different professional associations, government agencies, and universities have adopted specific codes, rules, and policies relating to research ethics. Many government agencies have ethics rules for funded researchers.

  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • National Science Foundation (NSF)
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Singapore Statement on Research Integrity
  • American Chemical Society, The Chemist Professional’s Code of Conduct
  • Code of Ethics (American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science)
  • American Psychological Association, Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
  • Statement on Professional Ethics (American Association of University Professors)
  • Nuremberg Code
  • World Medical Association's Declaration of Helsinki

Ethical Principles

The following is a rough and general summary of some ethical principles that various codes address*:

research ethics essay questions

Strive for honesty in all scientific communications. Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data. Do not deceive colleagues, research sponsors, or the public.

research ethics essay questions

Objectivity

Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects of research where objectivity is expected or required. Avoid or minimize bias or self-deception. Disclose personal or financial interests that may affect research.

research ethics essay questions

Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of thought and action.

research ethics essay questions

Carefulness

Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your own work and the work of your peers. Keep good records of research activities, such as data collection, research design, and correspondence with agencies or journals.

research ethics essay questions

Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.

research ethics essay questions

Transparency

Disclose methods, materials, assumptions, analyses, and other information needed to evaluate your research.

research ethics essay questions

Accountability

Take responsibility for your part in research and be prepared to give an account (i.e. an explanation or justification) of what you did on a research project and why.

research ethics essay questions

Intellectual Property

Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give proper acknowledgement or credit for all contributions to research. Never plagiarize.

research ethics essay questions

Confidentiality

Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for publication, personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patient records.

research ethics essay questions

Responsible Publication

Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance just your own career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.

research ethics essay questions

Responsible Mentoring

Help to educate, mentor, and advise students. Promote their welfare and allow them to make their own decisions.

research ethics essay questions

Respect for Colleagues

Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly.

research ethics essay questions

Social Responsibility

Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms through research, public education, and advocacy.

research ethics essay questions

Non-Discrimination

Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or other factors not related to scientific competence and integrity.

research ethics essay questions

Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise through lifelong education and learning; take steps to promote competence in science as a whole.

research ethics essay questions

Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.

research ethics essay questions

Animal Care

Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not conduct unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments.

research ethics essay questions

Human Subjects protection

When conducting research on human subjects, minimize harms and risks and maximize benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy; take special precautions with vulnerable populations; and strive to distribute the benefits and burdens of research fairly.

* Adapted from Shamoo A and Resnik D. 2015. Responsible Conduct of Research, 3rd ed. (New York: Oxford University Press).

Ethical Decision Making in Research

Although codes, policies, and principles are very important and useful, like any set of rules, they do not cover every situation, they often conflict, and they require interpretation. It is therefore important for researchers to learn how to interpret, assess, and apply various research rules and how to make decisions and act ethically in various situations. The vast majority of decisions involve the straightforward application of ethical rules. For example, consider the following case:

The research protocol for a study of a drug on hypertension requires the administration of the drug at different doses to 50 laboratory mice, with chemical and behavioral tests to determine toxic effects. Tom has almost finished the experiment for Dr. Q. He has only 5 mice left to test. However, he really wants to finish his work in time to go to Florida on spring break with his friends, who are leaving tonight. He has injected the drug in all 50 mice but has not completed all of the tests. He therefore decides to extrapolate from the 45 completed results to produce the 5 additional results.

Many different research ethics policies would hold that Tom has acted unethically by fabricating data. If this study were sponsored by a federal agency, such as the NIH, his actions would constitute a form of research misconduct , which the government defines as "fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism" (or FFP). Actions that nearly all researchers classify as unethical are viewed as misconduct. It is important to remember, however, that misconduct occurs only when researchers intend to deceive : honest errors related to sloppiness, poor record keeping, miscalculations, bias, self-deception, and even negligence do not constitute misconduct. Also, reasonable disagreements about research methods, procedures, and interpretations do not constitute research misconduct. Consider the following case:

Dr. T has just discovered a mathematical error in his paper that has been accepted for publication in a journal. The error does not affect the overall results of his research, but it is potentially misleading. The journal has just gone to press, so it is too late to catch the error before it appears in print. In order to avoid embarrassment, Dr. T decides to ignore the error.

Dr. T's error is not misconduct nor is his decision to take no action to correct the error. Most researchers, as well as many different policies and codes would say that Dr. T should tell the journal (and any coauthors) about the error and consider publishing a correction or errata. Failing to publish a correction would be unethical because it would violate norms relating to honesty and objectivity in research.

There are many other activities that the government does not define as "misconduct" but which are still regarded by most researchers as unethical. These are sometimes referred to as " other deviations " from acceptable research practices and include:

  • Publishing the same paper in two different journals without telling the editors
  • Submitting the same paper to different journals without telling the editors
  • Not informing a collaborator of your intent to file a patent in order to make sure that you are the sole inventor
  • Including a colleague as an author on a paper in return for a favor even though the colleague did not make a serious contribution to the paper
  • Discussing with your colleagues confidential data from a paper that you are reviewing for a journal
  • Using data, ideas, or methods you learn about while reviewing a grant or a papers without permission
  • Trimming outliers from a data set without discussing your reasons in paper
  • Using an inappropriate statistical technique in order to enhance the significance of your research
  • Bypassing the peer review process and announcing your results through a press conference without giving peers adequate information to review your work
  • Conducting a review of the literature that fails to acknowledge the contributions of other people in the field or relevant prior work
  • Stretching the truth on a grant application in order to convince reviewers that your project will make a significant contribution to the field
  • Stretching the truth on a job application or curriculum vita
  • Giving the same research project to two graduate students in order to see who can do it the fastest
  • Overworking, neglecting, or exploiting graduate or post-doctoral students
  • Failing to keep good research records
  • Failing to maintain research data for a reasonable period of time
  • Making derogatory comments and personal attacks in your review of author's submission
  • Promising a student a better grade for sexual favors
  • Using a racist epithet in the laboratory
  • Making significant deviations from the research protocol approved by your institution's Animal Care and Use Committee or Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects Research without telling the committee or the board
  • Not reporting an adverse event in a human research experiment
  • Wasting animals in research
  • Exposing students and staff to biological risks in violation of your institution's biosafety rules
  • Sabotaging someone's work
  • Stealing supplies, books, or data
  • Rigging an experiment so you know how it will turn out
  • Making unauthorized copies of data, papers, or computer programs
  • Owning over $10,000 in stock in a company that sponsors your research and not disclosing this financial interest
  • Deliberately overestimating the clinical significance of a new drug in order to obtain economic benefits

These actions would be regarded as unethical by most scientists and some might even be illegal in some cases. Most of these would also violate different professional ethics codes or institutional policies. However, they do not fall into the narrow category of actions that the government classifies as research misconduct. Indeed, there has been considerable debate about the definition of "research misconduct" and many researchers and policy makers are not satisfied with the government's narrow definition that focuses on FFP. However, given the huge list of potential offenses that might fall into the category "other serious deviations," and the practical problems with defining and policing these other deviations, it is understandable why government officials have chosen to limit their focus.

Finally, situations frequently arise in research in which different people disagree about the proper course of action and there is no broad consensus about what should be done. In these situations, there may be good arguments on both sides of the issue and different ethical principles may conflict. These situations create difficult decisions for research known as ethical or moral dilemmas . Consider the following case:

Dr. Wexford is the principal investigator of a large, epidemiological study on the health of 10,000 agricultural workers. She has an impressive dataset that includes information on demographics, environmental exposures, diet, genetics, and various disease outcomes such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and ALS. She has just published a paper on the relationship between pesticide exposure and PD in a prestigious journal. She is planning to publish many other papers from her dataset. She receives a request from another research team that wants access to her complete dataset. They are interested in examining the relationship between pesticide exposures and skin cancer. Dr. Wexford was planning to conduct a study on this topic.

Dr. Wexford faces a difficult choice. On the one hand, the ethical norm of openness obliges her to share data with the other research team. Her funding agency may also have rules that obligate her to share data. On the other hand, if she shares data with the other team, they may publish results that she was planning to publish, thus depriving her (and her team) of recognition and priority. It seems that there are good arguments on both sides of this issue and Dr. Wexford needs to take some time to think about what she should do. One possible option is to share data, provided that the investigators sign a data use agreement. The agreement could define allowable uses of the data, publication plans, authorship, etc. Another option would be to offer to collaborate with the researchers.

The following are some step that researchers, such as Dr. Wexford, can take to deal with ethical dilemmas in research:

What is the problem or issue?

It is always important to get a clear statement of the problem. In this case, the issue is whether to share information with the other research team.

What is the relevant information?

Many bad decisions are made as a result of poor information. To know what to do, Dr. Wexford needs to have more information concerning such matters as university or funding agency or journal policies that may apply to this situation, the team's intellectual property interests, the possibility of negotiating some kind of agreement with the other team, whether the other team also has some information it is willing to share, the impact of the potential publications, etc.

What are the different options?

People may fail to see different options due to a limited imagination, bias, ignorance, or fear. In this case, there may be other choices besides 'share' or 'don't share,' such as 'negotiate an agreement' or 'offer to collaborate with the researchers.'

How do ethical codes or policies as well as legal rules apply to these different options?

The university or funding agency may have policies on data management that apply to this case. Broader ethical rules, such as openness and respect for credit and intellectual property, may also apply to this case. Laws relating to intellectual property may be relevant.

Are there any people who can offer ethical advice?

It may be useful to seek advice from a colleague, a senior researcher, your department chair, an ethics or compliance officer, or anyone else you can trust. In the case, Dr. Wexford might want to talk to her supervisor and research team before making a decision.

After considering these questions, a person facing an ethical dilemma may decide to ask more questions, gather more information, explore different options, or consider other ethical rules. However, at some point he or she will have to make a decision and then take action. Ideally, a person who makes a decision in an ethical dilemma should be able to justify his or her decision to himself or herself, as well as colleagues, administrators, and other people who might be affected by the decision. He or she should be able to articulate reasons for his or her conduct and should consider the following questions in order to explain how he or she arrived at his or her decision:

  • Which choice will probably have the best overall consequences for science and society?
  • Which choice could stand up to further publicity and scrutiny?
  • Which choice could you not live with?
  • Think of the wisest person you know. What would he or she do in this situation?
  • Which choice would be the most just, fair, or responsible?

After considering all of these questions, one still might find it difficult to decide what to do. If this is the case, then it may be appropriate to consider others ways of making the decision, such as going with a gut feeling or intuition, seeking guidance through prayer or meditation, or even flipping a coin. Endorsing these methods in this context need not imply that ethical decisions are irrational, however. The main point is that human reasoning plays a pivotal role in ethical decision-making but there are limits to its ability to solve all ethical dilemmas in a finite amount of time.

Promoting Ethical Conduct in Science

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Do U.S. research institutions meet or exceed federal mandates for instruction in responsible conduct of research? A national survey

NCBI Pubmed

 Read about U.S. research instutuins follow federal manadates for ethics in research 

Learn more about NIEHS Research

Most academic institutions in the US require undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate students to have some education in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) . The NIH and NSF have both mandated training in research ethics for students and trainees. Many academic institutions outside of the US have also developed educational curricula in research ethics

Those of you who are taking or have taken courses in research ethics may be wondering why you are required to have education in research ethics. You may believe that you are highly ethical and know the difference between right and wrong. You would never fabricate or falsify data or plagiarize. Indeed, you also may believe that most of your colleagues are highly ethical and that there is no ethics problem in research..

If you feel this way, relax. No one is accusing you of acting unethically. Indeed, the evidence produced so far shows that misconduct is a very rare occurrence in research, although there is considerable variation among various estimates. The rate of misconduct has been estimated to be as low as 0.01% of researchers per year (based on confirmed cases of misconduct in federally funded research) to as high as 1% of researchers per year (based on self-reports of misconduct on anonymous surveys). See Shamoo and Resnik (2015), cited above.

Clearly, it would be useful to have more data on this topic, but so far there is no evidence that science has become ethically corrupt, despite some highly publicized scandals. Even if misconduct is only a rare occurrence, it can still have a tremendous impact on science and society because it can compromise the integrity of research, erode the public’s trust in science, and waste time and resources. Will education in research ethics help reduce the rate of misconduct in science? It is too early to tell. The answer to this question depends, in part, on how one understands the causes of misconduct. There are two main theories about why researchers commit misconduct. According to the "bad apple" theory, most scientists are highly ethical. Only researchers who are morally corrupt, economically desperate, or psychologically disturbed commit misconduct. Moreover, only a fool would commit misconduct because science's peer review system and self-correcting mechanisms will eventually catch those who try to cheat the system. In any case, a course in research ethics will have little impact on "bad apples," one might argue.

According to the "stressful" or "imperfect" environment theory, misconduct occurs because various institutional pressures, incentives, and constraints encourage people to commit misconduct, such as pressures to publish or obtain grants or contracts, career ambitions, the pursuit of profit or fame, poor supervision of students and trainees, and poor oversight of researchers (see Shamoo and Resnik 2015). Moreover, defenders of the stressful environment theory point out that science's peer review system is far from perfect and that it is relatively easy to cheat the system. Erroneous or fraudulent research often enters the public record without being detected for years. Misconduct probably results from environmental and individual causes, i.e. when people who are morally weak, ignorant, or insensitive are placed in stressful or imperfect environments. In any case, a course in research ethics can be useful in helping to prevent deviations from norms even if it does not prevent misconduct. Education in research ethics is can help people get a better understanding of ethical standards, policies, and issues and improve ethical judgment and decision making. Many of the deviations that occur in research may occur because researchers simply do not know or have never thought seriously about some of the ethical norms of research. For example, some unethical authorship practices probably reflect traditions and practices that have not been questioned seriously until recently. If the director of a lab is named as an author on every paper that comes from his lab, even if he does not make a significant contribution, what could be wrong with that? That's just the way it's done, one might argue. Another example where there may be some ignorance or mistaken traditions is conflicts of interest in research. A researcher may think that a "normal" or "traditional" financial relationship, such as accepting stock or a consulting fee from a drug company that sponsors her research, raises no serious ethical issues. Or perhaps a university administrator sees no ethical problem in taking a large gift with strings attached from a pharmaceutical company. Maybe a physician thinks that it is perfectly appropriate to receive a $300 finder’s fee for referring patients into a clinical trial.

If "deviations" from ethical conduct occur in research as a result of ignorance or a failure to reflect critically on problematic traditions, then a course in research ethics may help reduce the rate of serious deviations by improving the researcher's understanding of ethics and by sensitizing him or her to the issues.

Finally, education in research ethics should be able to help researchers grapple with the ethical dilemmas they are likely to encounter by introducing them to important concepts, tools, principles, and methods that can be useful in resolving these dilemmas. Scientists must deal with a number of different controversial topics, such as human embryonic stem cell research, cloning, genetic engineering, and research involving animal or human subjects, which require ethical reflection and deliberation.

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100 Questions (and Answers) About Research Ethics

100 Questions (and Answers) About Research Ethics

  • Emily E. Anderson - Loyola University Chicago, USA
  • Amy Corneli - Duke University School of Medicine, USA, FHI 360
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100 Questions (and Answers) About Research Ethics is an essential guide for graduate students and researchers in the social and behavioral sciences. It identifies ethical issues that individuals must consider when planning research studies as well as provides guidance on how to address ethical issues that might arise during research implementation. Questions such as assessing risks, to protecting privacy and vulnerable populations, obtaining informed consent, using technology including social media, negotiating the IRB process, and handling data ethically are covered.

Acting as a resource for students developing their thesis and dissertation proposals and for junior faculty designing research, this book reflects the latest U.S. federal research regulations to take effect mostly in January 2018.

ISBN: 9781506348704 Paperback Suggested Retail Price: $42.00 Bookstore Price: $33.60
ISBN: 9781506348711 Electronic Version Suggested Retail Price: $36.00 Bookstore Price: $28.80

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“The book is extremely informative, well-organized, and an invaluable tool for students, faculty, and literally all researchers across disciplines. I have taught research methods courses for many years, and the ethics and responsible conduct of research for several years, and found this text to be loaded with easily accessible information I find incredibly useful for teaching these courses. The text answers many questions that students typically ask that take considerable effort to answer and eliminates my concern that I am not always providing the most useful or accurate responses. It is extremely informative and well done and is a must for researchers and practitioners engaged in the research enterprise. Well done in all respects! A+.”

“The approach to the book makes it easy to incorporate in a class setting; it is an ideal reference and quick-check for students, but there is still a great deal of substantive material. The questions can provide a ready jumping off point for class discussions and can easily serve as the foundation for class topics and projects.”

“This book will be helpful to both professional and student researchers. As Chair of my institution's IRB, I will be recommending it to my IRB members, and also to my colleagues who are planning to submit protocols for review.”

KEY FEATURES:

  • Emphasizes holistic, broader ethical thinking within the regulatory/compliance framework rather than focusing narrowly on compliance with guidance provided by IRBs and federal regulations.
  • Offers guidance for helping potential participants make an informed decision about study participation so that researchers ensure that volunteers understand what it entails and give their informed consent without any coercion.
  • Offers guidance for preparing an IRB application, a process that is challenging for even the most seasoned researchers.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Part 3 Protecting Privacy and Confidentiality

Part 6 Designing Ethical Research

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“I like being autistic”: Assessing the benefit of autistic-led psychoeducation for autistic children

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Background Despite receiving autism diagnoses in early life, autistic children are not routinely supported to understand these diagnoses post-diagnostically ( 1 ). Consequently, they typically grow-up lacking an accurate understanding of what it means to be autistic on both a collective and individual level ( 2 ). Without this foundational knowledge, children’s understanding of autism is garnered from how others perceive their autism, resulting in an understanding of autism, and of themselves, that is inherently negative ( 3 ). This lack of appreciation of their own individual needs, also denies them the important self-understanding afforded by the diagnosis in the first instance, alongside the opportunity to effectively self-advocate for themselves when these needs go unmet.

Aims Here we sought to directly assess the benefit of a pre-recorded, online autistic-led psychoeducation course about autism and the lived experience of being autistic (i.e., ‘NeuroBears’ https://www.pandasonline.org ), for children’s understanding of autism and their autistic experiences, their feeling about being autistic, their communication with others about their autistic experiences, and their confidence to self-advocate for their needs.

Methods Using a concurrent embedded mixed-methods, repeated-measures design, autistic children (aged 8-14 years), completed a bespoke questionnaire exploring the above topics, both before and after completing NeuroBears at home with a nominated safe adult. A total of 63 children (mean age=10.57 years) completed sufficient content to be included in the analysis.

Results Significant benefit was observed across a range of areas, including a significant improvement in the children’s knowledge and understanding of being autistic and of their unique strengths and challenges, a significant rebalancing of how the children viewed being autistic, evidence of emerging positive autistic identities and a growing sense of belongingness, a significant change in the children’s abilities to communicate about being autistic, and evidence of strengthening self-advocacy skills.

Conclusion Learning about autism in a neutral and non-stigmatizing manner, and presented through the lens of autistic lived experience, conferred numerous benefits on autistic children’s self-understanding, emergent autistic identity, sense of belonging, and on their communication/self-advocacy skills. Future work is needed to establish the downstream benefits on wellbeing and quality of life.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This study did not receive any funding

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The Faculty of Medical Sciences Research Ethics Committee of Newcastle University's Research Ethics Committee gave ethical approval for this work

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Data Availability

All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors

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OUWB’s Afonso, Wasserman named Dean’s Distinguished Professors

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Afonso and Wasserman

Two professors from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine have each achieved the faculty rank of Dean’s Distinguished Professor. 

The Oakland University Board of Trustees approved the title changes recommended by Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., at its regular meeting on June 28, 2024.

Nelia Afonso, M.D., professor, and Jason Wasserman, Ph.D., professor — both from OUWB’s Department of Foundational Medical Studies — each received the title.

“This prestigious recognition is not merely a personal achievement but a testament to the collaborative efforts of our academic community,” said Afonso.

Wasserman shared similar thoughts.

“The thing that means the most to me is that it was the result of a nomination of at least 10 of my colleagues,” he said. “It’s a really nice honor.”

The rank of Dean’s Distinguished Professor was established in 2021 upon approval from the OU Provost and the OU Assistant Vice President of Academic Human Resources. It’s a permanent, honorific title that acknowledges contributions of employed, full-time, tenured faculty at the rank of professor.

According to the recommendations from Pescovitz, the designation “shall be afforded to awardees who have superior teaching skills that encompass the breadth and depth of their discipline, a distinguished record of public service, and scholarly, creative, and artistic achievements.”

‘Truly been a privilege’

Sarah Lerchenfeldt, Pharm.D., associate professor and interim co-chair, Department of Foundational Medical Studies, nominated Afonso.

In her nomination, Lerchenfeldt said Afonso “exemplifies the criteria” for the title.

“Since joining OUWB as a founding faculty member, she has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to medical education, significantly enhancing both the academic and practical aspects of these fields,” wrote Lerchenfeldt.

The nomination noted Afonso’s scholarly excellence, particularly in the domains of education, clinical skills, women’s health, and vaccine hesitancy. Lerchenfeldt said that Afonso was principal investigator for the Merck Investigator Studies program project called “Promoting Vaccine Confidence in Medical and Dental Students.” The project secured about $179,000 in funding.

The nomination also pointed to Afonso’s efforts to develop and refine the curriculum for OUWB’s Art and Practice of Medicine (APM) course, previous awards she received, commitment to service, and leadership roles with organizations like the Southeast Michigan Center for Medical Education.

“Dr. Afonso’s tenure at OUWB has been marked by a commitment to advancing medical education, research, and community health,” wrote Lerchenfeldt. “Her work not only reflects the values and mission of our institution, but also sets a benchmark for academic and professional excellence.”

Afonso said it has “truly been a privilege” to receive the title.

“I have been fortunate to be part of this medical school since its inception and I am grateful for the numerous opportunities provided that have fostered my growth as a physician, educator, and researcher,” she said. “I appreciate the dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff, whose support has been instrumental in implementing various curricular innovations.”

‘Invaluable member of OUWB faculty’  

Wasserman , who joined OUWB in 2013, was nominated by a group of 10 other faculty from the Department of Foundational Medical Studies.

They called him a “prolific and influential scholar” on several topics: homelessness, clinical bioethics, and Holocaust medicine.

“His scholarship and research range from core bioethics topics, such as autonomy and informed consent, to empirical research and qualitative inquiry into homelessness and medical ethics,” they wrote, and noted that he has published three books, 12 book chapters and supplements, 64 peer-reviewed journal articles, 22 editor-reviewed articles, and seven invited articles.

“Dr. Wasserman’s extensively cited research has contributed to important debates surrounding ethics in medical education, care for homeless individuals, pediatric ethical concerns, euthanasia, the rights of patients without decision-making capacity, and immunization policy,” wrote the nominators.

They also noted Wasserman’s roles in shaping the Medical Humanities and Clinical Bioethics (MHCB) curriculum, replacing traditional essay assignments with extemporaneous self-reflection videos, development of interactive iBooks, serving as a mentor to more than 50 OUWB students for their  Embark  projects, and developing a national training course in bioethics for the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

The nominators also mentioned Wasserman’s history of service. In 2020, he was appointed as one of only two Provost Fellows for Faculty Diversity at Oakland University. In 2022, he was honored with the OU Founder’s Day Award for Faculty Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He also chaired the admissions committee for five years, served as director of student professionalism for nine years, co-founded  Street Medicine Oakland , launched the Center for Moral Values in Health Medicine, and more.

And he has plans to do even more, including launching a new student-led journal on ethics, humanities, and social justice, and a health care ethics debate tournament that will be open to all OU students.  

“One of the reasons I came to OUWB was because it was a new school and there was a lot of opportunity to be entrepreneurial,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to some well-established place where the expectation is you teach your courses, you write papers, and otherwise just let things run.”

For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected] .

To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing  webpage .

This work is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License .

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Students weigh ethics of using ai for college applications, according to recent data from the education research organization foundry10, about a third of college applicants in 2023-24 acknowledge using an ai tool for help in writing admissions essays..

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A 'DOUBLE STANDARD' ON COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Big questions on ai use go mostly unanswered by colleges, 'it's always been an honor system', counselors can model proper use of ai in the college search.

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How the origins of America’s immigrants have changed since 1850

The United States is the top destination in the world for people moving from one country to another. Over 70 million immigrants have arrived in the U.S. since 1965 , according to a Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data. About 18 million have come from Mexico, making up the largest wave of immigration from a single country to the U.S.

In 2022, the number of immigrants living in the U.S. reached a high of 46.1 million, accounting for 13.8% of the population. (This includes both legal and unauthorized immigrants.)

These immigrants trace their roots to virtually all countries around the world. The largest numbers hail from Mexico (10.6 million) and India (2.8 million). That’s different from a century ago: In 1920, the largest immigrant populations were from Germany and Italy.

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to explore how immigration patterns have changed throughout the United States and by state over time.

The maps and data in this analysis are based on Center tabulations of Census Bureau microdata from IPUMS USA . The maps show the largest country of birth for immigrants in each state or territory from 1850 to 2022. The tabulations agree as closely as possible with published Census Bureau data on the national and state foreign-born populations and other national data on the country of birth of immigrants.

Data: For the 1850-1880 and 1900-1940 censuses, the tabulations use complete count census data, which has one record for each person counted in the census. The census data comes from 1% samples for 1950 and 1970 (form 1 for 1970). For the 1960 and 1980-2000 censuses, it comes from 5% samples. For 2010 and 2022, we use the 1% sample from the American Community Survey (ACS).

States and territories: Before 1960, some censuses included data for territories that would later become states. When available, we show data for these areas and designate the territorial status in the maps with an asterisk (*). Prior to 1959, Alaska and Hawaii were not routinely represented in IPUMS datasets used in this analysis. However, IPUMS samples that include these two areas in 1900-1920 (1% samples) and 1930 (5% sample) provide data for the maps.

Immigrant population: The immigrant or foreign-born population consists of people born outside the United States or its territories who are not U.S. citizens at birth. In census data for 1970-2000 and ACS data for 2010-2022, there is a direct question on U.S. citizenship that defines the foreign-born population.

For the earlier censuses, we used several steps to define the immigrant and U.S.-born or native populations. First, people born in U.S. territories and outlying areas are considered part of the native population.

The territories defined as part of the native population are: Alaska (1870 and later); Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam and American Samoa (1900 and later); Philippines (1900-1940); Panama Canal Zone (1900-1970); U.S. Virgin Islands (1920 and later); Trust Territory of the Pacific (1950-1980); and Northern Mariana Islands (1950 and later).

Beginning with the 1890 census, people born outside the U.S. and its territories were considered U.S. citizens at birth if they had one or two American-born parents under certain conditions. The criteria have changed over time and do not appear to have been consistently applied in the early censuses. The IPUMS data has coded some of these cases directly. For other cases, we use the country of birth of each respondent’s mother and father (either as reported in the census or assigned by IPUMS) to determine whether the individual is foreign born.

Country of birth: Countries of birth in the tabulations generally reflect the countries and regions within countries (e.g., Alsace-Lorraine, Bavaria) recognized at the time the data was collected. This reflects the responses to the census and generally agrees with official publications from the censuses. The country boundaries are similar to modern ones but may differ slightly in some cases.

The groupings used for the countries in the census and ACS data are:

  • United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales and Channel Islands in all years; Northern Ireland in 1930 and later.
  • Germany: Various German states, East Germany and West Germany in all years; Alsace and Lorraine for 1870-1910.
  • Austria: Austria and regions defined as Austria, including Austria-Hungary.
  • Poland: Regions defined as Poland, Austrian Poland, German Poland, Russian Poland, Prussian Poland, Galicia, Pomerania, West Prussia and various other areas.
  • Russia (1850-1920), USSR (1930-1990), USSR (former): These designations basically refer to the same area. It includes Russia plus the republics within the Soviet Union (e.g., Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Siberia). The exception is Armenia, which is treated as a separate country for 1920-1930.
  • China: Mongolia and Taiwan for 1850-1940; Hong Kong and Macau for 2000-2022.
  • Portugal: Azores, Madeira Islands and St. Miguel in all years; Cape Verde Islands through 1970.
  • Korea: North and South Korea.

Various other countries and regions are grouped together, but none are the top origin countries for states or in the top five origin countries nationally.

Immigrant populations by state

The share of immigrants varies widely among states, from 2% in West Virginia to 27% in California. In 2022, Mexican immigrants were the largest group in 29 states, while Indian immigrants were the largest group in six states.

Mirroring the national trend, the origins of immigrants living in each state have changed dramatically in the past century. In 1920, the largest immigrant groups in 29 states were born in Germany, Italy or Canada. And only six states had the same largest origin group in 2022 that they did in 1920: Arizona, New Mexico and Texas (all from Mexico) and Maine, Montana and Vermont (from Canada).

Maps showing where each U.S. state’s largest immigrant population was born in 1920 and 2022.

Why has the immigrant population changed over the years?

Reasons behind the changes in the U.S. immigrant population since 1965 include:

  • A more equitable U.S. immigration law . The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act opened up legal immigration from Asia and Latin America. The law it replaced had favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe and mostly barred those from Asia.
  • Unauthorized immigration. Unauthorized immigration to the U.S. began to grow in the 1970s , which made the total number of immigrants go up. Most of those who came before 1982 acquired legal status after the passage of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act . However, unauthorized immigrants continued to come in large numbers.
  • Further changes in U.S. immigration law. A revision to the 1965 act in 1990 allowed more legal immigrants to enter the U.S. and provided alternative ways for people to immigrate, increasing the diversity of origins.

An area chart showing the immigrant share of the U.S. population from 1850 to 2022.

Where immigrants have settled in the U.S. over time

The first large wave of immigration to the U.S. began in the 1840s and lasted until 1889. During this time, more than 14 million immigrants came to the country. Most arrived from Northern or Western Europe ; Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom alone accounted for 70% of the new arrivals .

How America’s source of immigrants has changed over time

Top country of birth among U.S. immigrants, by state

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Top five foreign-born populations by country of origin (in millions)

Total U.S. population 23.2 million Total foreign born 2.2 million Percentage foreign born 9.7%

Note: Populations rounded to nearest 10,000. Shares and ranks based on unrounded numbers. Germany includes East and West Germany (1980-1990), German states coded by IPUMS (1850-1940). Alsace and Lorraine are part of Germany for 1870-1910 and France in other years. United Kingdom (UK) includes England, Scotland, Wales and Channel Islands in all years and Northern Ireland in 1930 and later. China includes Mongolia and Taiwan for 1850-1940; Hong Kong and Macau for 2000 and later. Poland includes areas designated as Poland by IPUMS (1850-1940) including “Austrian,” “German,” “Prussian” and “Russian” Poland. The term “Russia” is used for 1850-1920, “USSR” for 1930-1990 and “USSR (former)” for 2000 and later. These areas encompass all former republics of the USSR including Baltic states in all years. The only exception is Armenia which is coded separately in 1930-1940. Various other areas have been grouped together but do not appear in the top five countries for the U.S. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “ Historical Census Statistics on the Foreign-Born Population of the United States: 1850-2000 ”; Pew Research Center tabulations of complete count census data for 1850-1940; census samples for 1950 (1%), 1960,  1980-2000 (5%) and 1970 (1% form 1); 2010 and 2022 American Community Survey (1%). Alaska and Hawaii from samples for 1900-1920 (1%) and 1930 (5%). All data from IPUMS.

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Total U.S. population 31.4 million Total foreign born 4.1 million Percentage foreign born 13.2%

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Total U.S. population 38.6 million Total foreign born 5.6 million Percentage foreign born 14.4%

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Total U.S. population 50.2 million Total foreign born 6.7 million Percentage foreign born 13.3%

research ethics essay questions

Total U.S. population 62.6 million Total foreign born 9.3 million Percentage foreign born 14.8%

research ethics essay questions

Total U.S. population 76.0 million Total foreign born 10.3 million Percentage foreign born 13.6%

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Total U.S. population 92.0 million Total foreign born 13.5 million Percentage foreign born 14.7%

research ethics essay questions

Total U.S. population 105.7 million Total foreign born 13.9 million Percentage foreign born 13.2%

research ethics essay questions

Total U.S. population 122.8 million Total foreign born 14.2 million Percentage foreign born 11.6%

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Total U.S. population 131.7 million Total foreign born 11.6 million Percentage foreign born 8.8%

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Total U.S. population 150.2 million Total foreign born 10.3 million Percentage foreign born 6.9%

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Total U.S. population 179.3 million Total foreign born 9.7 million Percentage foreign born 5.4%

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Total U.S. population 203.2 million Total foreign born 9.6 million Percentage foreign born 4.7%

research ethics essay questions

Total U.S. population 226.5 million Total foreign born 14.1 million Percentage foreign born 6.2%

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Total U.S. population 248.7 million Total foreign born 19.8 million Percentage foreign born 7.9%

research ethics essay questions

Total U.S. population 281.4 million Total foreign born 31.1 million Percentage foreign born 11.1%

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Total U.S. population 309.4 million Total foreign born 40.0 million Percentage foreign born 12.9%

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Total U.S. population 333.3 million Total foreign born 46.1 million Percentage foreign born 13.8%

From 1850 to 1880, Germany and Ireland were the largest immigrant origin countries in most states and territories. In 1860, Ireland was the largest origin country in 22 of the nation’s 39 states and territories.

By 1880, Germany was the largest origin country in 16 states and territories. Chinese immigrants were the largest group in California, Nevada, Oregon, and the Idaho and Washington territories. Mexicans were the largest group in Texas and the New Mexico and Arizona territories.

The next wave of immigration to the U.S. lasted from 1890 to 1919, when more than 18 million immigrants arrived. By then, over 60% came from Eastern and Southern Europe, with large numbers arriving from Italy, Austria-Hungary, Russia and Poland.

The number of new immigrants fell dramatically in the years between World War I and World War II (1919 to 1939). As a result, the largest immigrant groups in each state did not change much for the next few decades.

In 1920, German immigrants were the largest group in 11 states, down from 18 in 1910. Immigrants from Italy and Russia became the largest groups in a growing number of states. At their peaks, Italians were the largest group in 10 states in 1940 and 1960, and Russians were the biggest in seven states in 1920 and 1950.

By 1960, the largest number of immigrants in most states came from Germany (17 states), Italy (10) and Canada (10).

Another wave of immigration began in 1965. Most immigrants in this wave came from Latin America (49%) or Asia (27%) . Mexico alone accounted for about 25% of these new immigrants. Large numbers also came from China, India, the Philippines, Central America and the Caribbean.

After 1990, the number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. started to grow quickly, from 3.5 million to 12.2 million in 2007. Most unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. at this time came from Mexico, which was also the largest source of legal immigrants.

These new legal and unauthorized arrivals led to major changes in states’ immigrant populations. Mexican immigrants became the largest group in an increasing number of states.

In 1980, Mexican immigrants were the largest group in 10 states, trailing German immigrants (19 states) and Canadian immigrants (11 states).

By 2000, Mexican immigrants were the largest group in 31 states, and Germans were no longer the largest immigrant group in any state. Immigrants from Cuba, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, the Philippines and India were the largest groups in 11 states.

The onset of the Great Recession led to changes in immigration patterns. Mexican immigration to the U.S. slowed dramatically after 2007. As a result, the Mexican immigrant population stopped growing. Though Mexico remained the largest source of U.S. immigrants, Mexicans’ share of the immigrant population fell from 29% in 2010 to 23% in 2022.

Meanwhile, immigration from Asia increased rapidly. In the 2010s, there were more new arrivals from Asia than from Latin America .

The unauthorized immigrant population declined from 12.2 million in 2007 to 10.2 million in 2019. Since then, though, the unauthorized immigrant population has grown again, reaching 11.0 million in 2022 .

Mexico remained the largest country of birth for immigrants in 29 states in 2022, while India was the largest in six states. For the first time, the following origin groups made up the largest immigrant population in a state or district:

  • Ethiopians in the District of Columbia
  • Guatemalans in South Dakota
  • Hondurans in Louisiana

Note: This is an update of a post originally published Oct. 7, 2015.

  • Immigration & Migration

Download Jeffrey S. Passel's photo

Jeffrey S. Passel is a senior demographer at Pew Research Center .

Download Jens Manuel Krogstad's photo

Jens Manuel Krogstad is a senior writer and editor at Pew Research Center .

Download Mohamad Moslimani's photo

Mohamad Moslimani is a research analyst focusing on race and ethnicity at Pew Research Center .

What the data says about immigrants in the U.S.

Facts on u.s. immigrants, 2018, building outpaces population growth in many of china’s urban areas, most popular.

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