Ethicality vs. Ethicalness — What's the Difference?

Ethicality and ethicalness are nouns that describe the state or quality of being ethical, emphasizing adherence to moral principles. Ethicality, however, tends to be preferred in legal, philosophical, and professional discussions, highlighting the conformity to ethical standards within specific contexts. On the other hand, ethicalness is a less commonly used term and might be found in more general discussions about morality and ethics without a specific contextual framework.

When discussing the ethicality of a decision, one often refers to the alignment with established ethical guidelines or principles, particularly in areas like business, law, and medicine. This term underscores the importance of a structured approach to ethics. Conversely, when one refers to the ethicalness of a behavior, it might be in a broader, more universally moral context, without the implication of a structured set of guidelines or principles.

Ethicality often involves a deliberate evaluation process, considering various ethical frameworks and guidelines before reaching a conclusion about the ethical standing of an action or decision. This term implies a level of rigor and formality in ethical considerations. Ethicalness, while also concerned with the morality of actions or decisions, suggests a more inherent or intuitive sense of right and wrong, possibly without the explicit application of formal ethical principles.

In academic and professional discourse, the use of ethicality can signal a nuanced understanding of ethical theories and principles, indicating a sophisticated engagement with ethical questions. Ethicalness, by contrast, might be employed in a more general sense, appealing to a broad concept of moral rightness without necessarily delving into specific ethical doctrines or theories.

Despite these nuances, both terms ultimately aim to assess the moral dimension of actions, decisions, and behaviors, serving as important concepts in discussions about ethics across various fields. The choice between ethicality and ethicalness may depend on the context, the level of specificity and formality desired, and the speaker's or writer's preference.