What does “ethical fading” describe?

The concept of "ethical fading" refers to a phenomenon in decision-making where individuals overlook the ethical aspects of a situation. This can happen for various reasons, such as focusing too heavily on other factors like profit, organizational goals, or social pressure, leading to a diminished awareness of the ethical implications of their choices. Essentially, in moments of ethical fading, the consideration of ethics fades into the background, allowing individuals to make decisions that may not align with their moral values. This process can lead to rationalizations that justify unethical choices, as the ethical dimensions of a decision become less salient. Understanding ethical fading is crucial for promoting ethical behavior because it highlights how easily individuals can slip into unethical practices without being fully aware of it.