Define Applied Ethics.
The Capability Approach, formulated by Nobel laureate economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, is a comprehensive framework for evaluating well-being and development. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on income or resources, Sen's approach centers on individuals' capabilities —Read more
The Capability Approach, formulated by Nobel laureate economist and philosopher Amartya Sen, is a comprehensive framework for evaluating well-being and development. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on income or resources, Sen's approach centers on individuals' capabilities — their freedom to achieve valuable functionings.
Capabilities, in Sen's context, are the various valuable activities and states of being that a person can choose to engage in, such as being healthy, educated, or having the ability to participate in social and political activities. Sen contends that focusing on capabilities provides a more accurate and nuanced understanding of human welfare than relying solely on material resources.
The Capability Approach places a strong emphasis on human agency and the ability to pursue one's life goals. It calls for policies and interventions that enhance individuals' freedoms, removing barriers that impede their ability to lead lives they value. Sen argues that evaluating development solely based on economic metrics neglects essential aspects of human well-being and justice.
This approach has influenced various fields, from development economics to social policy, by encouraging a broader perspective that encompasses diverse dimensions of human flourishing. It seeks to ensure that individuals not only have access to resources but also the real opportunities and freedoms to lead lives that align with their own values and aspirations.
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Applied ethics is a branch of ethical inquiry that focuses on the practical application of ethical principles to specific areas of human activity, such as medicine, business, technology, environment, and social policy. Unlike theoretical or normative ethics, which examine abstract principles and morRead more
Applied ethics is a branch of ethical inquiry that focuses on the practical application of ethical principles to specific areas of human activity, such as medicine, business, technology, environment, and social policy. Unlike theoretical or normative ethics, which examine abstract principles and moral theories, applied ethics addresses real-world dilemmas and challenges, seeking to provide guidance and solutions to ethical issues in various domains.
Applied ethics involves the analysis and evaluation of ethical dilemmas, controversies, and practices within specific contexts, considering factors such as cultural norms, legal frameworks, and practical constraints. It seeks to identify ethical principles that are relevant and applicable to the situations at hand, offering ethical guidelines, recommendations, and decision-making frameworks for individuals, professionals, organizations, and policymakers.
Examples of applied ethics include bioethics, which addresses ethical issues in healthcare and biotechnology; business ethics, which examines ethical practices in commerce and corporate governance; environmental ethics, which explores ethical considerations in environmental conservation and sustainability; and media ethics, which evaluates ethical standards in journalism and media production. Applied ethics plays a crucial role in promoting ethical awareness, responsible decision-making, and the ethical advancement of society in diverse fields and industries.
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