ethical dimensions

Meanings

1. 1phraseplural

   The moral aspects of a situation, decision, or problem, especially ones that need to be considered.

   Grammar: Usually plural and often used with 'the': the ethical dimensions of a decision. The singular 'ethical dimension' names one such aspect.

   Patterns

   • the ethical dimensions of something
   • consider/explore the ethical dimensions
   • have ethical dimensions

   The report examines the ethical dimensions of using artificial intelligence in schools.

   Before we approve the plan, we should discuss its ethical dimensions.

   Her lecture focused on the ethical dimensions of medical research.

2. 2phrasepluralformal

   The parts of a subject or activity that involve questions of right and wrong.

   Grammar: Used in formal writing and academic speech; for everyday talk, 'the moral side' sounds more natural.

   Patterns

   • the ethical dimensions of something
   • raise ethical dimensions

   Climate policy has ethical dimensions that scientists alone cannot settle.

   The novel gives the war a human face and clear ethical dimensions.

Common combinations

the ethical dimensions of a decision

The committee spent hours on the ethical dimensions of the decision.

consider the ethical dimensions

Any good manager will consider the ethical dimensions of a cost-cutting plan.

explore the ethical dimensions

The course explores the ethical dimensions of journalism.

have ethical dimensions

Even small design choices can have ethical dimensions.

raise ethical dimensions

Cheap clothing raises ethical dimensions that shoppers rarely see.

Synonyms and how they differ

moral aspects

Everyday wording with the same basic idea, but it sounds less academic than 'ethical dimensions'.

ethical issues

Focuses on problems or disputes rather than the full range of moral features.

ethical considerations

Emphasizes things to be weighed before deciding, not the whole moral picture.

Word family

ethics noun

The study or system of moral principles.

ethically adverb

In a way that follows accepted moral principles.

ethical adjective

Morally right or acceptable.

unethical adjective

Morally wrong or against accepted rules of conduct.

Commonly confused: ethical dimensions or ethnic?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ethical dimensions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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