What is Ethics?

What is Ethics? ethic is the part of Philosophy dedicated to moral matters. That is, it investigates the moral principles that motivate, guide, discipline or distort the human behavior, especially with regard to norms, values, stimuli and rules present in society.

In a more practical sense, we can say that ethics refers to the set of rules, principles and conduct of an evaluative and moral nature of an individual, social group or society. Therefore, ethics, which are built on historical and cultural values, help to ensure balance and good social functioning.

The term originates from the Greek ethos, which means “that which belongs to the character / way of being of an individual”.

Professional ethics

Professional ethics concerns the behavior that these professionals are expected to present. Doctors, lawyers, journalists, public servants and other professionals have a set of ethical standards that they must follow in the exercise of their activities. Every profession has a

code of ethics own.

Ethics should not be confused with law. The law is mandatory, to which all citizens are subject, under penalty of sanctions in case of disobedience, but no individual can be forced to comply with ethical norms, nor will he be punished if he does not do. However, the law is often based on ethical principles.

Difference between ethics and morals

Ethics cannot be confused with moral. Both are related and aim at social welfare, but they are different. Morality is the set of rules instituted by society through education, culture, tradition and everyday life, guiding human behavior. Ethics is the judgment of the moral behavior of each individual in society.