siðfræðilegar

Siðfræðilegar is an Icelandic adjective meaning ethical or moral. It is derived from síðfræði, the field of ethics, and is used to describe topics, questions, norms, or considerations that concern moral principles, duties, or values.

In usage, it typically accompanies plural feminine nouns, as in siðfræðilegar spurningar (ethical questions), siðfræðilegar reglur (ethical rules), or siðfræðilegar ályktanir (ethical conclusions). The term is common in academic writing, policy discussions, and professional discourse whenever the normative dimension of a matter is being emphasized.

In Icelandic discourse, siðfræðilegar discussions focus on what ought to be done, what counts as a just or fair action, and how moral values should inform decisions. It is used alongside more descriptive or empirical terms to draw attention to the ethical implications of actions, technologies, policies, or research.

The word underscores that a matter has moral relevance beyond facts or efficiency alone. Siðfræðilegar is part of the broader concept of ethics (siðfræði). While it points to value-laden aspects, it is often balanced with analytic or empirical considerations in interdisciplinary work.