Explain the difference between normative ethics and applied ethics.

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Explain the difference between normative ethics and applied ethics.

Normative ethics and applied ethics are two branches of ethics that focus on different aspects of moral philosophy.

Normative ethics deals with the study of ethical theories and principles that provide guidelines for determining what is morally right or wrong. It aims to establish a framework for evaluating and making moral judgments. Normative ethics seeks to answer questions such as "What is the right thing to do?" and "What are the moral principles that should guide our actions?" It explores various ethical theories, including consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics, and examines their implications for moral decision-making.

On the other hand, applied ethics is concerned with the practical application of ethical theories and principles to specific real-life situations and issues. It involves the analysis and evaluation of moral dilemmas and ethical problems that arise in various fields, such as medicine, business, politics, and technology. Applied ethics aims to provide practical guidance and solutions to these ethical challenges by considering the specific context and circumstances in which they occur. It involves examining ethical issues like euthanasia, abortion, environmental ethics, and professional ethics, among others.

In summary, normative ethics focuses on developing ethical theories and principles, while applied ethics applies these theories and principles to real-life situations and dilemmas. Normative ethics provides the foundation for ethical decision-making, while applied ethics addresses the practical application of these principles in specific contexts.