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In contemporary times, where architecture often tends to seek spectacular beauty, ornament once again occupies a key position in philosophical and architectural debate, which poses the question: Could ornament also have an ethical aspect? To answer this question, I will investigate three compelling moments of the historical debate on architectural ornament: Leon Battista Alberti’s theory of harmony, the Chicago School (Louis H. Sullivan and John Root)’s approach to the issue of form and function, and Adolf Loos’ famous criticism of ornament. The dismissal of ornament, as developed by Alberti, Sullivan, Root, and Loos, stems from different theoretical contexts and cultural settings. However, their theories can contribute to the contemporary debate, bringing to light not only ornament’s aesthetic aspect, but also its ethical one.