Molo, Gisean B.

BSA 1-7

Ethics

What is ethics?

The term ethics is derived from the Greek word ethikos which itself is derived
from the Greek word ethos, meaning custom or character. In philosophy, ethical
behavior is that which is “good”. The field of ethics or moral philosophy involves
developing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior. These
concepts do not change as one’s desires and motivations change. They are not relative
to the situation. They are immutable.

Ethics is based on well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what

humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness,

or specific virtues. People have different views regarding the word ethics; some may

associate it with law, religion, moral standards of the society, norms, etc. that’s why the

meaning of ethics is hard to pin down.

Ethics always goes with the word morals, sometimes ethics and morals are being

confused with each other. They are somehow different with each other; nevertheless it

is one of our baselines or foundations of our judgement on what is right and wrong.

When most people think of ethics, they think of rules distinguishing right and wrong,

such as the Golden Rule. The most common way of defining “ethics”: norms for

conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

What are the ethical theories?

Deontology

The deontological class of ethical hypotheses expresses that individuals should

cling to their commitments and obligations when occupied with basic leadership when

morals are in pay. This implies a man will pursue his or her commitments to another

individual or society in light of the fact that maintaining one’s obligation is what is

considered ethically right.

Utilitarianism

Utilitarian ethical theories are based on one’s ability to predict the consequences

of an action. To a utilitarian, the choice that yields the greatest benefit to the most

people is the one that is ethically correct.

Rights

In ethical theories based on rights, the rights established by a society are

protected and given the highest priority. Rights are considered to be ethically correct

and valid since a large population endorses them.

Virtue

The virtue ethical theory judges a person by his/her character rather than by an

action that may deviate from his/her normal behavior. It takes the person’s morals,

reputation, and motivation into account when rating an unusual and irregular behavior

that is considered unethical.

Bibliography

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Chonko, L. (2012). Ethical Theories. DSEF, 2-3.

Resnik, D. B. (2015, December 1). Retrieved November 24, 2018, from National
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http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/index.cfm

Velasquez, M., Andre, C., Shanks, T., & Meyer, M. (2010, January 1). Retrieved
November 24, 2018, from Sustainability - Office of the Provost - Santa Clara
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