倫理

• Reading: りんり
• Romaji: rinri
• Kanji breakdown: 倫 (rin) — ethics, companionship, proper order; 理 (ri) — reason, logic, principle
• Pronunciation: /ɾiɴ.ɾi/

Meaning

Ethics; morals. The principles of right and wrong that govern human behaviour and decision-making.

A noun referring to the systematic study and principles of moral conduct. More academic and formal than 道徳 (doutoku, morality) — 倫理 is used in philosophical, professional, and institutional contexts. Common compounds include 倫理学 (rinrigaku, ethics as an academic field), 倫理観 (rinrikan, ethical sense/moral outlook), 医療倫理 (iryou rinri, medical ethics), and 倫理委員会 (rinri iinkai, ethics committee). A mandatory subject in Japanese high school education.

Examples

1. AIの発展に伴い、新たな倫理の問題が生まれている。 As AI advances, new ethical issues are emerging.
2. 医療倫理に基づいて患者の権利を守らなければならない。 We must protect patients' rights based on medical ethics.
3. 高校時代に倫理の授業で哲学に興味を持った。 In high school ethics class, I became interested in philosophy.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, education, medicine, business, law

Tone: academic

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 倫 (rin, ethics/companionship/order) + 理 (ri, reason/logic/principle). Literally 'the principles of human relations' — the rational basis for how people should treat one another.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated