Macroethics

Macroethics (from the Greek prefix "makros-" meaning "large" and "ethos" meaning character) was coined in the late 20th century to distinguish large-scale ethics from individual ethics, or microethics. It is a type of applied ethics. For example, emerging technologies present both macroethical and microethical challenges. A microethical decision related to nanotechnology would be that a researcher ensures that all experiments be conducted with integrity and results reported honestly and completely. A macroethical decision would be whether certain types of nanotechnologies be avoided until there is sufficient information regarding their risks. An extreme example of macroethical failure is the grey goo scenario.