Descriptive ethics involves the empirical study of people's moral beliefs and practices. It focuses on describing and understanding how people actually behave and what they believe, rather than prescribing how they should behave.
Examples of Descriptive Ethics
- Cross-Cultural Studies - Research examining how different cultures approach moral issues, such as attitudes toward honesty, family roles, or business practices. For example, studying how different societies view the concept of justice or what is considered acceptable behavior in various contexts.
- Surveys on Moral Attitudes - Conducting surveys to understand public opinion on specific ethical issues, such as attitudes toward abortion, euthanasia, or environmental responsibility. This data reflects the prevailing moral beliefs and practices within a given population.
- Historical Analysis - Analyzing historical events or societal changes to understand how moral values and norms have evolved over time. For example, studying how attitudes towards slavery or gender roles have shifted throughout history.
