Reasoned synthesis
Truth By Reason Master Ethical Code
A reasoned and revisable synthesis of recurring ethical insights across religious, philosophical, Indigenous and secular traditions.
- Framework type
- Reasoned synthesis
- Authority classification
- Philosophical
- Observance
- Not applicable
- Research status
- Identified for research
- Origin period
- Published by Truth By Reason in 2026
- Origin region
- International comparative synthesis
- Attributed origin
- Truth By Reason
- Intended audience
- Individuals, communities, institutions, businesses and governments
- Published constituent items
- 22
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2026
Primary texts and authority
This code draws on all ethical frameworks published in the Truth By Reason Ethical Codes catalogue. It does not claim that every tradition endorses the synthesis.
Rules, principles or steps
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Seek Truth Honestly
Form beliefs in proportion to reliable evidence, distinguish knowledge from assumption, and revise conclusions when better evidence appears.
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Recognise Equal Moral Worth
Treat every person as possessing equal fundamental dignity and reject arbitrary discrimination or degradation.
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Avoid Unjustified Harm and Protect Life
Do not intentionally kill, injure, torture, abuse or expose others to serious avoidable danger.
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Extend Compassion Beyond Oneself
Take the suffering and wellbeing of strangers, outsiders, opponents and other sentient beings seriously.
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Respect Autonomy, Consent and Bodily Integrity
Do not use another person's body, labour, sexuality, information or dependency without meaningful consent or legitimate justification.
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Act Justly and Build Fair Institutions
Apply rules consistently, allow people to be heard, and support institutions that restrain corruption and abuse of power.
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Be Truthful and Trustworthy
Do not lie, defraud, fabricate evidence, spread malicious rumours or deliberately misrepresent others.
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Do Not Steal, Exploit or Corrupt
Do not take property, labour, credit, opportunity or value without legitimate right or consent.
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Use Wealth and Resources Responsibly
Meet legitimate needs without making unlimited accumulation the purpose of life, and share where doing so can relieve serious deprivation.
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Practise Ethical Sexuality and Relationships
Base intimate conduct on consent, equality, honesty, maturity, care and responsibility.
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Care for Those in Need
Respond to hunger, homelessness, illness, disability, isolation, bereavement and other serious vulnerability.
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Exercise Self-Control
Regulate anger, greed, hatred, envy, craving, pride and impulsive desire.
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Cultivate Ethical Character
Develop compassion, wisdom, courage, justice, humility, patience, integrity, generosity, diligence and temperance.
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Work Honestly and Contribute Usefully
Seek livelihoods that do not depend on deception, exploitation, cruelty or avoidable destruction.
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Prefer Peace and Protect Against Aggression
Use dialogue, negotiation, mediation and lawful institutions wherever reasonably possible.
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Respect Animals and the Living World
Recognise animal suffering as morally significant and protect ecosystems, biodiversity, soil, water and climate.
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Consume with Restraint
Consider the human, animal and environmental costs of food, goods, travel, energy and waste.
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Honour Community Without Surrendering Conscience
Contribute through cooperation, mutual aid and gratitude while retaining responsibility for personal judgement.
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Protect Freedom of Belief and Non-Belief
Allow every person to adopt, change, question or reject religious and philosophical beliefs.
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Learn, Reflect and Cultivate Attention
Develop knowledge, critical thinking, self-awareness and the capacity for sustained attention.
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Admit Mistakes and Repair Harm
Acknowledge wrongdoing, stop the harm, tell the truth, restore what was taken and change the conditions that enabled it.
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Apply Principles with Practical Wisdom
When duties conflict, identify everyone affected, establish the facts, examine rights, power, consent and alternatives, then choose the least harmful effective option.
Historical development
The code was produced by comparing recurring protections, duties, virtues, disciplines and institutional principles across the site's published frameworks.
Variations
The code is deliberately revisable. Future evidence, criticism and broader representation may justify additions, qualifications or corrections.
Traditional interpretation
This is not a traditional religious code. It is a modern comparative and reason-based synthesis.
Controversies and disputes
Traditions disagree about worship, authority, hierarchy, sexuality, property, punishment, animals and the limits of obedience. The synthesis retains only principles that can be defended through reasons accessible across different beliefs.
Truth By Reason analysis
The framework gives special weight to avoidable harm, equal dignity, consent, truth, justice, compassion, freedom, evidence, accountability and protection against abuses of power. Greater power creates greater responsibility.
Ethical themes
Sources
- Truth By Reason Comparative Ethical Codes Synthesis Primary source