THE 10 MOST OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF ETHICS - PHILOSOPHY - 2024

One of the most outstanding characteristics of ethics is that it is a fundamental element for the development of a harmonious, just and well-being society. Ethics can be defined from two points of view.

On the one hand, it corresponds to the system of moral principles on which the individuals who make up a specific society base their actions. On the other hand, ethics is about the study of moral standards, seeks to develop them and generate solid bases, in order to guarantee that these standards will continue to be supported by rationally conceived elements.

Some people use the terms "moral" and ethics "interchangeably, giving them the same meaning. Although this is widely accepted, it is also said that morals have to do with personal principles and values, while ethics is considered a more general and collective conception of the notions of right and wrong.

The standards on which ethics is based are characterized by being based on reason, and their main concern is to generate awareness in individuals.

So, from their own context, people can develop actions based on ethics and promote this type of action in all areas of society, including state institutions and the private sphere.

Main characteristics of ethics

1- Define what is right and wrong

All the principles on which ethics is based are intended to generate a kind of guide, through which to establish which are the correct behaviors and which are the incorrect ones.

Ethics does not pretend to offer absolutely correct answers to specific situations, but it does seek to be a context that allows to recognize, with more rationality, good and bad actions, based on the well-being that it produces in individuals and societies.

2- It has to do with the neighbor

The principles of ethics are associated with the possibility of living together peacefully and with recognition of the other; therefore, they are guidelines through which other people are considered, and they seek to generate an environment of well-being and justice.

This concern for the other goes beyond one's own interests, and focuses on both individuals and society.

3- It deals with rights and responsibilities

Ethics tries to identify the actions that individuals must carry out to create a harmonious and respectful environment, and this has to do directly with the rights and responsibilities of each person.

As it is a moral system that seeks to recognize others, rights and duties are fundamental aspects, since they provide a basis on what the rational guidelines should be to generate a fair environment.

4- It allows to resolve conflicts

Since ethics can be considered a system of moral principles, it can serve as a platform to find common ground between people or societies in conflict.

Ethics is based on universal values, such as tolerance, respect, solidarity or peace, among others, and on the basis of these principles it is easier to find consensus between conflicting factors.

5- It does not offer conclusions, but a decision option

Ethical principles are not absolute. There are situations in which it is easier to identify what are the elements that lead to a good action, but there are many others whose resolution is more complex.

Ethics provides a platform of values ​​that allows a debate about what is most convenient in a particular situation, but it does not offer an absolute truth, since, in general, there is not only one truth.

6- It is not associated with feelings

It often happens that, in compromising situations or those that have a strong impact on people's lives, they get carried away by feelings and emotions, and this course of action will not necessarily guarantee an ethical resolution of the situation in question.

Ethics becomes a system through which it is possible to avoid actions based on irrationality. It seeks to observe all events from reason and taking into account what is most convenient for society.

7- It is not based on religion

Ethics are not defined by religion. There are those who indicate that religion constitutes the bases of ethics, and there is another current that establishes that ethics is clearly based on rational matters.

Many of the religions base their precepts on ethical aspects, but ethics goes further, since it applies to both religious people and atheists.

What it seeks is to generate awareness in individuals, so that they can make decisions based on generating personal well-being and in other people.

8- It is different from the law

The law refers to a set of regulations established in accordance with the interests of a nation, and that imply a punishment for those who do not comply with them.

Instead, ethics is based on moral principles that are expected to guide the actions of individuals and societies.

The law is expected to be based on ethical precepts, but ethics is not defined by law. In some cases, the law has rather been separated from ethics, responding to individual interests to the detriment of the welfare of others.

9- It is not defined by society

Ethics are not defined by societies either. Ethical principles are expected to be accepted by societies; in fact, most of them are (such as honesty, trust, respect, among others).

However, there have been societies whose socially accepted actions are far from the universally ethical.

At one time, certain actions such as slavery, torture, violence and repression, among others, were accepted; and ethical behaviors were considered by society.

10- It is in constant review

Ethics, instead of being a static concept, must be in constant review, because societies themselves are dynamic and moral standards can be transformed or need to be reaffirmed.

It is important that ethics maintain firm and solid foundations so that it can efficiently carry out its work of guaranteeing the greatest benefit for people.

You may be interested in Ethical Relativism: Characteristics, Types and Criticisms.

References

1. Velázquez, M., Andre, C., Shanks, T. and Meyer, M. "What is Ethics?" (August 18, 2015) at Markkula Center of Applied Ethics. Retrieved on July 26, 2017 from the Markkula Center of Applied Ethics: scu.edu.
2. "What is Ethics?" on BBC. Retrieved on July 26, 2017 from BBC: bbc.co.uk.
3. "Ethics" in Encyclopedia. Retrieved on July 26, 2017 from Encyclopedia: encyclopedia.com.
4. Horner, J. "Morality, ethics, and law: introductory concepts" (November 2003) in National Center of Biotechnology Information. Retrieved on July 26, 2017 from the National Center of Biotechnology Information: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
5. Donahue, J. "Does Ethics Require Religion?" (March 1, 2006) in Greater Good Magazine. Retrieved on July 26, 2017 from Greater Good Magazine: greatergood.berkeley.edu.
6. Grannan, C. "What's the Difference Between Morality and Ethics?" (9 January 2016) in Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved on July 26, 2017 from Encyclopedia Britannica: britannica.com.