The tendency to avoid ethical language is widespread in the
United States, so that even the most common terms for describing
ethical situations seem strangely unfamiliar. Although avoiding
ethical language may, in some circumstances, serve to reduce the
defensiveness of those whose actions or policies are being
questioned, it inhibits the understanding of ethical situations,
the ethical problems that commonly occur, and the possibility of
resolving those problems. Furthermore, a consistent use of terms
is required for parties to be able to recognize when they are
agreeing, disagreeing or addressing different subjects. This
introduction is intended both to clarify ethical terms and
distinctions and to provide a general framework for considering
ethical questions. If discussion of ethical terms is new to you,
you may want to read through the main text, skipping the fine
points that are set off at the right in smaller type. In
addition to the ethical terms that are discussed in this
introduction, other more spec