Code of Ethics: why words matter

Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (2021) once stated, „The limit of my language is the limit of my world“. This highlights the undeniable influence of words — both spoken and written. Words can inspire individuals to exceed expectations or steer them towards unethical actions. A code of ethics is a longstanding and widely recognised document for encouraging ethical decision-making. Professions such as medicine have adhered to codes of conduct for over 2000 years. A code of ethics not only defines behavioural rules within an organisation but also articulates its core values. Therefore, the way we formulate and write a code of ethics, especially from a linguistic and grammatical perspective, is crucial for its effectiveness.