ethicist
UK: ˈeθ.ɪ.sɪst | US: ˈeθ.ə.sɪst
n. a person who specializes in or studies ethics, the branch of philosophy dealing with moral principles
n. a professional who advises on ethical issues in fields like medicine, business, or technology
The word "ethicist" combines "ethic," derived from the Greek "ethos" (meaning "custom" or "moral character"), with the suffix "-ist," indicating a practitioner or expert. The term emerged in the 19th century to describe individuals who systematically analyze moral frameworks, reflecting the growing formalization of ethical study in academia and professional fields. The "-ist" suffix, borrowed from Latin "-ista," reinforces the role-based focus of the word.
The hospital consulted an ethicist to resolve the dilemma over patient consent.
As an ethicist, she often debates the implications of artificial intelligence.
The ethicist's lecture on corporate responsibility drew a large audience.
Many tech companies now hire ethicists to guide their policy decisions.
The ethicist argued that the law should reflect evolving societal values.