What is Ethics?
This document is designed as an introduction to thinking ethically. We
all have an image of our better selves-of how we are when we act
ethically or are “at our best.” We probably also have an image of what
an ethical community, an ethical business, an ethical government, or
an ethical society should be. Ethics really has to do with all these
levels-acting ethically as individuals, creating ethical organizations and
governments, and making our society as a whole ethical in the way it
treats everyone.
What is Ethics?
Simply stated, ethics refers to standards of behavior that tell us how
human beings ought to act in the many situations in which they find
themselves-as friends, parents, children, citizens, businesspeople,
teachers, professionals, and so on.
It is helpful to identify what ethics is NOT:
Ethics is not the same as feelings. Feelings provide important
information for our ethical choices. Some people have highly
developed habits that make them feel bad when they do
something wrong, but many people feel good even though they
are doing something wrong. And often our feelings will tell us it
is uncomfortable to do the right thing if it is hard.
Ethics is not religion. Many people are not religious, but ethics
applies to everyone. Most religions do advocate high ethical
standards but sometimes do not address all the types of
problems we face.
Ethics is not following the law. A good system of law does
incorporate many ethical standards, but law can deviate from
what is ethical. Law can become ethically corrupt, as some
totalitarian regimes have made it. Law can be a function of
power alone and designed to serve the interests of narrow
groups. Law may have a difficult time designing or enforcing
standards in some important areas, and may be slow to address
new problems.
Ethics is not following culturally accepted norms. Some cultures
are quite ethical, but others become corrupt -or blind to certain
ethical concerns (as the United States was to slavery before the
Civil War). “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is not a
satisfactory ethical standard.