4.1 Preliminary remarks on differentiation in complex reference contexts

Since around the middle of the last century, so-called applied ethics have increasingly developed and established themselves. As the term suggests, these ethics have a particular focus on concrete practice in a lived reality. However, this is by no means to say that classical theoretical ethics are becoming obsolete. We have exemplary explored four of these approaches in the previous learning unit. On the contrary, ethics have always had a highly practical relevance. The questions of the good life and ethically appropriate behaviour have always been at the centre of ethical reflection. This is what normative ethical theories are about when they substantiate their own moral principle (e.g. the good, reasonable will or the maximisation of happiness or pleasure). It is then up to the acting person - as we saw in the example of the sustainability specialist from the learning unit 3 in the chapter "Descriptive ethics versus normative ethics" - to reflect on and assess these principles in given situations in order to act appropriately. In this respect, theoretical ethics are highly practice-relevant and important in shaping our human interactions.

Applied ethics, as we will get to know in this learning unit, and the theoretical ethics we are already familiar with are not two clearly separate matters. Ultimately, they are always related to each other. They open up everyday practice from different perspectives and with different emphases, which can result in specific practical insights and possibilities to act in different areas.