170 Ethics Essay Topics

Ethics is the study of right and wrong in human conduct. “Ethics” comes from the Greek word “ethos,” meaning character. Ethics is a field of philosophy that studies the nature of morality and assesses human behavior in terms of what is good and what is wrong.

Essays on ethics are always controversial because people have different opinions about what is right and wrong. However, to write a well-reasoned and persuasive ethics essay, some basic principles should be followed.

Check out this guide detailing everything you need to know about how to write an ethics essay, including 170 ethics essay topics that will get you started.

What Style Should an Ethics Essay Be Written In?

The style of your essay should be formal and logical. You will need to make use of evidence to support your claims. However, you should avoid using emotive language or making personal attacks. Ultimately, your goal should be to present a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence and thoughtful analysis.

Outside of the context of essays, ethics is usually studied in the form of philosophical arguments. As such, your writing should use formal language and avoid taking sides in the debate. You should also aim to be as objective as possible in your analysis.

Typically the best writing styles for an ethics essay include argumentative, problem-solution, and cause and effect.

For students writing an argumentative ethics essay, it may be appropriate to use persuasive language in order to make a case. But, be careful not to get too caught up in trying to persuade your reader and lose sight of presenting a well-reasoned argument.

If you are writing a problem-solution ethics essay, your goal will be to identify an ethical problem and propose a solution. In this type of essay, it can be helpful to use emotional language to highlight the severity of the problem. However, you should still avoid making personal attacks and aim to present a balanced argument.

A cause and effect ethics essay will aim to identify the cause of a particular problem in the field of ethics and evaluate the effects that it has had. In this type of essay, you may find it helpful to use statistical data to support your claims.

Ethics Essay Writing Guide

No matter which type of essay you are writing for an ethics course, it is still necessary to include the following elements:

A strong thesis statement that expresses an opinion on the ethical issue at hand.

Supporting evidence for your thesis statement – statistics, expert comments, or real-life examples could be included.

A well-developed argument that analyzes the problem at hand using logical reasoning and critical thinking.

A conclusion that restates your thesis statement and provides food for thought for the reader.

Ethics essays will also need to follow a format that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Your introduction should aim to grab the reader’s attention and give them an overview of the ethical issue you will be discussing. Be sure to include your thesis statement in your introduction.

The body paragraphs of your essay will be where you present your argument and support it with evidence. Each body paragraph should focus on a different point that supports your thesis statement.

Finally, your conclusion should summarize your argument and offer the reader final opinions on the ethical topic you addressed.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Ethics Essay Writing

While the need to communicate your point as clearly as possible may be overwhelming, when writing an ethics essay, there are several things you should do and avoid doing.

Do be clear in the point you want to make.

Many pupils struggle to express themselves clearly on the ethical topic at hand.

As a result, their essays lack concentration and goal. Make sure you understand your thesis statement and the arguments you wish to include in your essay before you begin writing.

Don’t make personal attacks.

When you are writing an ethics essay, it is important to maintain a level of professionalism. This means refraining from making personal attacks on either side of the issue. Not only is this unprofessional, but it will also make your essay less credible.

Do use evidence that many different sources can support.

When writing an ethics essay, you need to back up your claims with evidence. But, not all evidence is created equal. The best evidence to use is that which multiple sources can support. This could include statistics, expert opinions, or real-life examples.

Don’t use emotional language.

When you are writing an ethics essay, it is important to use language that is objective and free from emotion. This means avoiding words like “should” or “must.” Instead, focus on using language that presents the facts without trying to persuade the reader one way or another.

Do research the different sides of the issue.

When writing an ethics essay, it is essential to consider all sides of the issue. Unfortunately, many students make the mistake of only looking at one side of the argument and failing to consider the other. By doing your research, you will be able to see both sides of the issue and present a more well-rounded argument.

Don’t plagiarize.

This should go without saying, but it is important to ensure that all the sources you use in your essay are correctly cited. Plagiarism is a severe academic offense resulting in a failing grade or expulsion from school. So, be sure to give credit where credit is due.