Ethics is the name given to the branch of philosophy devoted to moral matters. The word ethics is derived from the Greek, and it means Way of being.
In practice, we can understand this concept a little better by examining certain behaviors in our daily lives. An example is when we refer to the behavior of some professionals such as a doctor, journalist, lawyer, businessman, a politician and even a teacher.
For these cases, it is quite common to hear expressions such as: medical ethics, journalistic ethics, business ethics and public ethics.
Ethics covers a wide area and can be applied to the professional aspect. There are codes for professional ethics that indicate how an individual should behave within the scope of their profession. Ethics and citizenship are two of the concepts that form the basis of a prosperous society.
Ethics can be confused with law, although the law is often based on ethical principles. However, unlike the law, no individual can be punished, by the State or by other individuals, for complying with ethical standards, nor suffer any sanction for disobedience to them; but the law may be silent on matters covered by ethics.
ethic and moral are related topics, but are different. This is because morality is based on obedience to cultural, hierarchical or religious norms, customs or commandments, and ethics seeks to base the way of living through human thought.
Ethics is not limited to morality, which is generally understood as a custom or habit, but seeks the theoretical foundation to find the best way to live; the search for the best lifestyle.
Many important philosophers studied and defined ethics. For Aristotle, for example, all practical rationality aims at an end or a good and ethics have the purpose establish the ultimate purpose that is above and justifies all others, and how reach it.
That ultimate purpose is the happiness. And it is not about the pleasures, riches, honors, but a virtuous life, and this virtue is between the extremes and is only achieved by someone who demonstrates prudence.
See too:
- all about ethics
- ethical values
- Examples of Ethics and Morals
- Moral
- Difference between Ethics and Morals
- Ethic and moral
- Professional ethics
- Ethical
- Moral values
- Ethics and Citizenship
- Social responsability