The Empirical and the Ethical

The empirical refers to knowledge gained through observation, experience, and evidence—what we can test and verify objectively. It involves facts, data, and scientific methods to understand the world around us. The ethical pertains to principles of right and wrong, guiding our values and decisions about how we should act toward others. While empirical seeks factual understanding, ethics concerns moral judgments and responsibilities. Both are important: empirical methods help us understand reality, and ethics help us determine how to responsibly and fairly apply that understanding in our actions.