Ethics

• Ethics is derived from the Greek word "ethos" which means customs, usage, or character
• It refers to the traditional manners, customs, habits, character, or attitude of a community or group
• Also known as moral philosophy
• Ethics seeks to examine the meaning of moral terms and the criteria by which we make moral judgments
• A set of rules of human behavior influenced by societal standards or personal norms
• Ethics is the philosophy of life, delving into the deepest reasons for human existence, actions, problems, and destiny
• Different meanings of ethics according to Triumvate:
• Plato and Aristotle define ethics as "what constitutes the good life" associated with virtues like temperance, courage, piety, and justice
• Socrates sees virtue as knowledge and the context of love and wisdom to do what is good
• Plato believed in an abstract form of "the good" beyond the everyday world
• Aristotle viewed virtue as natural to human beings
• Definition of ethics (Montemayor, 1994):
• Ethics is the practical science of the morality of human actions
• It is the scientific inquiry into human acts with reference to right and wrong
• Ethics is the study of the rectitude of human conduct
• It is the science that lays down the principles of right living
• Ethics is normative and practical science, based on reason, studying human conduct and providing norms for integrity and honesty
• According to Socrates, ethics is the investigation of life
• Important terms related to ethics:
• Science: Systematic study or a system of scientific conclusions derived from established principles
• Morality: The quality of human acts as right, wrong, or indifferent
• Human Acts: Acts done with knowledge, freedom, and free will or consent
• Ethics vs. Moral:
• Ethics and morality both deal with distinguishing right from wrong
• Ethics are associated with practical rules in a professional setting, while morals refer to personal principles
• Ethics are rules to follow within a community or profession, while morals are personal values at the core of one's being
• Ethics vs. Law:
• Ethics can help dictate the law, but individual ethics are not always law
• Ethics and law can overlap, and violations can lead to legal consequences
• The difference between ethics and justice can be stark, especially in professions like law
• Ethics vs. Values:
• Ethics are the expected code of conduct in an organization or community, while values represent fundamental beliefs
• Values can change over time, while ethics are the rules to live by in a specific context
• Ethics vs. Social Responsibility:
• Ethics are rules dictating behavior in a professional setting, while social responsibility is more fluid and open to interpretation
• Social responsibility can involve advocating for socially progressive views that may not align with societal ethics
• Ethical Terms:
• Nonmoral: Refers to things like animals or natural forces where right and wrong do not apply
• Immoral: Describes evil or wrong behavior that goes against accepted morals
• Amoral: Areas indifferent to moral rules, where individuals may not have a conscience to act against