Ethics Lesson 1: Introduction to Ethics

Study Notes

Ethics, derived from the Greek word ‘ethos’, means character or conduct and is a branch of philosophy focusing on morality.
It encompasses various areas such as goodness, right action, applied ethics, meta-ethics, moral psychology, and the metaphysics of moral responsibility.
The Latin word ‘rectus’, meaning ‘straight’ or ‘according to rule’, informs the concept of 'right,' highlighting the principles guiding correct conduct.

Ethics serves as a guideline for human behavior, focusing on concepts of right, obligations, fairness, and specific virtues.
Ethical language includes terms like 'proper', 'fair', and 'just', which relate to moral evaluations.
As a normative science, ethics centers on what should be done rather than merely observing facts, contrasting with positive sciences, which explain occurrences through causal relationships.
Ethics deals with moral ideals without investigating the origins of human conduct, instead emphasizing motives, intentions, and voluntary actions connected to moral consciousness.

Ethics is distinct from practical sciences, which provide means to achieve specific goals; ethics is about guiding towards moral judgment rather than practical outcomes.
Unlike art, which focuses on skill development to produce outputs, ethics revolves around intrinsic goodness as an end.
Ethics unfolds in various spheres, including moral, social, religious, and political, each addressing different ideals and societal influences.

In the moral sphere, ethics critically examines various ideals from different thinkers regarding virtues and vices in human interactions.
In the social sphere, it critiques institutions and customs, offering moral insights and suggestions for necessary reforms.
The religious sphere indicates that religion aligns with pre-established moral and spiritual principles, enhancing values and virtues.
Political considerations reflect that moral conduct is essential in politics, as all political actions are ultimately evaluated against moral ideals.

Ethical principles direct individuals towards taking responsibility for their actions, which fosters accountability in society.
Understanding ethics fosters a collective sense of duty and cultivates an environment where moral choices contribute positively to individual and societal well-being.