The spelling of "ethics committee" is phonetically transcribed as ˈɛθɪks kəˈmɪti. The first syllable "eth" is pronounced as "eth" with a short "e" sound followed by the "th" sound. The second syllable "ics" is pronounced as "iks" with a short "i" sound. The third syllable "com" is pronounced as "kəm" with an unstressed "uh" sound followed by the "m" sound. The final syllable "mittee" is pronounced as "ˈmɪti" with a stressed "i" sound followed by the "t" and "ee" sounds.
An ethics committee is a formal body or organization composed of members from diverse professional backgrounds, aimed at ensuring ethical principles and guidelines are upheld within a particular context or setting. Also known as an ethical review board or institutional review board, an ethics committee typically focuses on evaluating and overseeing ethical issues involved in research, healthcare, or other areas that involve human subjects, to protect their rights and well-being.
The primary role of an ethics committee is to review, assess, and provide guidance on matters related to moral integrity, professional conduct, and compliance with established ethical standards. They may be responsible for creating and enforcing ethical policies and codes of conduct, as well as for monitoring their implementation. Moreover, these committees are often involved in reviewing research proposals, evaluating potential risks and benefits, and ensuring informed consent is obtained from participants. They play a crucial role in safeguarding against any form of exploitation, coercion, or abuse that may arise in research or healthcare activities.
Ethics committees are generally comprised of professionals from various fields such as medicine, law, philosophy, social science, and community members. This diversity of expertise helps promote robust, well-informed, and impartial decisions. Additionally, ethics committees may provide educational programs, consultation services, and promote awareness of ethical issues to enhance ethical decision-making and ensure responsible practices within their respective domains.
In summary, an ethics committee is an organized body dedicated to upholding ethical standards, protecting individuals' rights, and ensuring the integrity of activities carried out within a specific professional or research context.
The word "ethics" has its origins in the Greek word "ethikos". It comes from the term "ethos", which means "character" or "custom". Ethikos, in turn, is derived from the word "ethos" combined with the suffix "-ikos", denoting "related to" or "pertaining to".
The word "committee" has a Latin origin, derived from the word "comitia", which means "assembly" or "public meeting". The term later evolved to refer to a body of people constituted for a specific purpose.
Therefore, when we combine "ethics" with "committee", it forms the phrase "ethics committee". This term refers to a group of individuals assembled to deliberate on ethical issues or considerations, typically in professional or academic settings.