What is deontological ethics?

Abstract illustration representing deontological ethics and moral duty

Deontological ethics is a family of moral theories that judge actions by duty and rules rather than by outcomes. In this view, an act can be morally required because of some characteristic of the act itself—for example, keeping a promise—even when the consequences are not the best possible. The approach is often contrasted with consequentialism … Read more

Are cardinals bishops?

Illustration about cardinals and bishops

Yes. Under the Catholic Church’s current canon law, men promoted to cardinal must already be bishops or receive episcopal consecration if they are not yet bishops. Cardinals belong to three orders—episcopal, presbyteral, and diaconal—so “cardinal bishop” is a specific order within the College of Cardinals. Source: Vatican: The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church.

What are Beguines?

Stylized illustration of a medieval beguinage courtyard with row houses

Beguines were medieval Christian laywomen in northern Europe who lived devout, often communal lives without joining an approved religious order or taking permanent vows.

Are Armenians Middle Eastern?

Armenians are an indigenous people of the Armenian Highlands in Transcaucasia (the South Caucasus), on the northwestern edge of Asia—so they are typically described as West Asian or Caucasian rather than as a core Levantine “Middle Eastern” group. Encyclopaedia Britannica places Armenia just south of the Caucasus Mountains and notes that it marks the northwestern … Read more