What area of ethics focuses specifically on biological research?

Bioethics is the area of ethics that specifically addresses the moral implications and ethical challenges associated with biological research and biotechnology. This field combines elements from various disciplines, including medicine, law, philosophy, and social policy, to examine the ethical questions that arise in the context of biological studies and medical advancements. Topics within bioethics can include issues related to genetic engineering, cloning, stem cell research, human and animal experimentation, and access to medical technology.

While social ethics explores the relationship between individuals and society and covers broader topics, and professional ethics pertains to ethical norms and standards within specific professions, bioethics zeroes in on the unique moral considerations that come with biological advancements. Environmental ethics, on the other hand, focuses on the ethical relationship between humans and the natural world, which, while important, is distinct from the primary concerns of bioethics regarding biological research. Therefore, bioethics is the most relevant field for this context.