Eetilised

Eetilised is a term used in Estonian-language discourse to refer to ethical considerations, norms, and questions. In academic and public contexts it functions as an umbrella label for discussions that focus on what ought to be done from a moral standpoint, independently of legal requirements or practical constraints.

Etymology and form: The word is the plural-adjective form of eetiline ('ethical'). As an adjective it agrees with plural nouns, e.g., eetilised normid (ethical norms) or eetilised väärtused (ethical values). The genitive plural is eetiliste, used in phrases such as eetiliste normide sisu.

Usage: In philosophy, sociology, media studies and technology policy, eetilised considerations address duties, rights, and harms that may go beyond law or market incentives. In data privacy and artificial intelligence debates, eetilised guidelines may call for user consent, transparency, data minimization, non-discrimination, and harm avoidance.

History and reception: The term has gained traction in Estonian-language discourse in the 21st century, particularly as digital technology and global ethics debates expanded. Some critics argue that eetilised is vague or overlaps with existing terms like ethics and morality.

See also: Ethics, Moral philosophy, Estonian language, Information ethics.