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- It deals with human character & conduct based on established standards with an aim to achieve the chief good/summon bonum & ultimate happiness.
- It can also be defined as a field of moral philosophy which deals with rightness / wrongness of human
- It deals with human character & conduct based on a set of principles and values.
- It is a field of normative science which not only sets standards of conduct but also deals with improving human conduct.
Therefore, the term ethics has a broad connotation. Although in simple terms, it is defined as human character & conduct based on established standards.
The term ethics has been derived from the Greek word ‘ethicos’ which means habit/character /conduct. If good habits are inherited, humans develop right conduct. That’s why ethics is about rightness & wrongness of human conduct. It’s not just character/conduct but a good aspect of character or conduct.
Few questions emerge:
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- How does one know if a character is right/wrong?
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- How do established standards come?
- From normative theories mentioned
- How do they set such standards ?
- From applying Reasoning/logic, Critical thinking & Rationality
- What are the established standards?
- Character
- Selflessness / Self interest / Means of action
- Contract / Consensus
- How do established standards come?
In nutshell, Ethics is not just about character or conduct but it also aims to improve the character or conduct. Example: Third gender is recognised in India now. So the standards have changed & improved from two genders to three genders.
Since ethics is based on established standards provided by the normative theories, it aims at improving the conduct of humans so that there is achievement of the chief good. Anything cannot be considered as ethical standards although individuals/people/society can have their own standards of conduct but they may not necessarily be considered ethical.
Ethical standards consist of Rationality & Critical Thinking. Hence, ethical standards are also objective standards of human conduct. Hence, they are also known as universal standards of human conduct. It means ethics can also be defined as human conduct & character based on universal standards. It means ethics has its own standards based on normative science or the field of moral philosophy.
| • Do not do unto others as you would not be done by’ (Atmani Pratikulani paresham na samachary) - Principle given in ‘Mahabharat’. The definition of Ethics is well concretized in this maxim. •‘Do unto others as you would, they would do unto you.’ - The same principle is repeated in Christianity Thus we should behave with others in the same manner as we expect them to behave with us. |
| • Ethics are a code of conduct that we expect of others and so logically from ourselves also. • We should not do anything, which is a deviation from our intrinsic humanness – Swabhav. If we are able to do this, our inner core will spontaneously manifest itself. • Ethics is human conduct in the light of moral principles, which may be viewed as the individual’s standard of conduct or as a body of social obligations and duties. Our behavior outside is a reflection of our values within, which we radiate outwards through our actions and deeds. Thus if the Values guiding an action are positive the results are positive. On the other hand if the values guiding a particular action are negative the ultimate outcome will be negative only. |
