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Applied Ethics: When Theory Meets Reality
How do abstract ethical principles guide concrete decisions in medicine, business, and technology?
Should a self-driving car prioritise the passenger or a pedestrian? Who should get the last available ventilator? Applied ethics is where philosophy becomes urgent.
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Applied ethics translates abstract moral theories into practical guidance for real-world decisions. It emerged as a formal discipline in the 1960s and 70s, driven by medical controversies (organ transplants, euthanasia), environmental crises, and corporate scandals. Today it covers bioethics, business ethics, environmental ethics, AI ethics, and more.
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Question 1 of 1What are the four principles used in bioethics to guide medical decisions?