Ethics – Definition and Concept

 Definition and Concept

Ethics is the study of what is right or wrong in human conduct. This is a branch of Philosophy which studies moral principles. Hence, Ethics is also known as Moral Philosophy.

Ethics vs Morals

Many people use the words Ethics and Morality interchangeably. However, there is a difference between Ethics and Morals.

To put it in simple terms, Ethics = Morals + Reasoning.

To have an ethical viewpoint, you should be able to give some reason for it. Yes, Ethics is Moral Philosophy, and Philosophy is all about reasoning 

Ethics & Integrity: Values, Ethics, Morality

Values, Ethics, Morality

ValuesValues refer to the important and enduring beliefs or principles, based on which an individual makes judgement in life. Values do not attach judgement of right and wrong to a personal domain. Values refers to something that one consider to have worth in one’s life. For example – being a vegetarian, choosing materialism over spiritualism etc.

Types	Intrinsic (Primary)	Values which are an end in itself – education for wisdom
	Instrumental (Secondary)	Values which are means to an end – education for job, Gym for toned body
Nature	Universal	Which do not change with context or time and remain same always – Love, truth, care, respect, peace
	Evolving	Change with time – Polygamy, Satipratha, LGBT, Parda system,
		Change with place – Abortion, Food Preference, Collectivism vs individualism
	Subjective (Relativist)	Values which change with the context or situation – Killing vs Euthanasia vs killing in self defence vs capital punishment – Values which can be justified in a particular situation
	Objective (Absolutist)	Absolutists are the people according to whom values do not change with respect to time or context – Killing is killing no matter what