Baseline
Baseline is a mathematical approach to evaluate the ethics of a given action involving another sentient being within an eternal framework.
In theory, an exact value for Baseline exists, but we can only approximate it with higher degrees of accuracy and precision.
While it cannot be known with absolute certainty, the more accurate and rigorous Baseline is calculated, the closer one should get to the true Ethica Ultima. However, Baseline can still be determined at a lower accuracy to the best of one's ability without extensive equations and number crunching.
See Also
➤ Infinite Journey: Ethica Ultima
➤ Wikipedia: Sentience