TechnologyAugust 21, 2026
amoral
ay-MOR-uhl
Definition
Lacking a moral sense or indifferent to moral standards; neither moral nor immoral, but operating without concern for ethical principles.
Etymology
The word is formed from the Greek prefix 'a-' meaning 'without' and the Latin word 'moralis' meaning 'relating to conduct.' It entered English in the 19th century to describe things that fall entirely outside the sphere of moral judgment.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the fear that AI might make cold, calculating decisions that disregard human dignity. It highlights the risk of technology functioning without an underlying ethical framework.
Notre Dame professor with focus on AI is 'guardedly optimistic' about it
Read the full article ↗National Catholic Reporter