Ethics

Interesting Ethics in a Nutshell: Ethics 101

Higher Motivation

When fairness is in its place - and everyone knows it - motivation is increasing.

Visible Values​

Values are visible when someone is opening up about their ideology.

Most Ethical​

Viewing and judging based on moral arguments and standpoints. Using multiple ideological reasoning.

4 Types of Ethics

Ethics, as a discipline, encompasses various approaches and perspectives for understanding and evaluating moral principles and behavior. Here, we explore the four main types of ethics that provide distinct lenses through which ethical issues can be examined.

Descriptive Ethics.

Descriptive ethics aims to describe and analyze the existing moral beliefs, values, and practices within a society or culture. It focuses on understanding how individuals and groups actually behave ethically, without necessarily making judgments about what is right or wrong. Descriptive ethics involves observing and studying ethical behavior, moral dilemmas, and cultural norms to gain insight into the complex tapestry of human morality.

Human values play a crucial role in descriptive ethics. These values are the virtues that guide us to take into account the human element when we interact with other human beings. They include respect, acceptance, consideration, appreciation, listening, openness, affection, empathy, and love towards other human beings.

Normative Ethics.

Normative ethics deals with the formulation of moral standards and principles that guide human conduct. It seeks to answer questions about how people ought to behave, what actions are morally right or wrong, and what ethical theories or frameworks can provide guidance in making moral decisions. Normative ethics explores different theories, such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics, to evaluate ethical dilemmas and establish moral guidelines for individuals and society.

Within normative ethics, several principles help shape moral decision-making. These principles include beneficence (promoting the well-being of others), non-maleficence (avoiding harm to others), autonomy (respecting individual freedom and self-determination), justice (fairness and equity), truth-telling, and promise-keeping.

Meta Ethics.

Meta ethics delves into the nature of ethical concepts, language, and the foundations of moral judgments. It examines questions about the meaning of ethical terms, the objectivity of moral values, and the nature of moral reasoning. Meta ethics goes beyond specific moral judgments and focuses on understanding the nature of morality itself, addressing topics such as moral relativism, moral realism, and the relationship between facts and values.

Applied Ethics.

Applied ethics deals with the practical application of ethical principles and theories to real-world situations and issues. It involves analyzing and evaluating moral dilemmas in various fields such as healthcare, business, technology, and the environment. Applied ethics aims to provide ethical frameworks and guidance to navigate complex ethical challenges, promoting responsible decision-making and addressing ethical concerns in specific contexts.

By exploring these four types of ethics, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the study and practice of ethics. Each type offers a unique perspective, allowing us to examine moral issues from different angles and engage in thoughtful ethical discourse. Understanding descriptive ethics, normative ethics, meta ethics, and applied ethics enables us to navigate the complexities of morality, make informed ethical choices, and contribute to the betterment of individuals and society.

Ethics is a way of thinking

Ethics serves as a fundamental framework that guides our thoughts, actions, and decision-making processes. It provides us with a set of principles and values to assess the morality of our choices and behaviors. Here, we explore various ethical perspectives that shape our understanding of right and wrong, and how they influence our way of thinking.

Ethics are moral principles regarding what is correct or not. You can picture it as a branch of philosophy that asks the practical question: ‘what is the right thing to do?’. This question is divided into four categories: Norms, values, beliefs, and principles. Ethics gives meaning to ‘right or wrong’ and ‘good or evil.’ It is trying to make a good choice, or rather the right choice while deciding which option is likely the best one. A lot of traditional scholars of philosophy have studied ethics. Usually, that is all that their way of thinking is about.

Supernaturalism

Supernaturalism in ethics posits that moral principles and values are derived from a higher power or supernatural entity. It suggests that there are objective moral truths grounded in divine commandments or religious doctrines. This perspective holds that ethical obligations stem from the authority of a higher spiritual realm, shaping our moral thinking and guiding our actions.

Consequentialism

Consequentialism, also known as teleological ethics, focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions to determine their ethical value. According to this perspective, the morality of an action depends on its ability to produce the greatest overall good or maximize utility. Consequentialist thinkers evaluate the consequences and impact of actions, considering factors such as happiness, well-being, or the reduction of suffering when making ethical judgments.

Subjectivism

Subjectivism suggests that ethical judgments and moral values are based on individual subjective experiences, opinions, or personal preferences. From this standpoint, ethics becomes a matter of personal perspective, varying from person to person. Subjectivists argue that moral judgments are expressions of individual attitudes or emotions, and there are no objective or universally applicable moral standards.

Intuitionism

Intuitionism proposes that moral principles and values are self-evident and can be known through intuition or immediate rational apprehension. Intuitionists believe that humans possess an innate capacity to recognize moral truths or principles without relying on external sources or elaborate reasoning. Intuitionism emphasizes the role of intuition and moral intuition as a reliable guide for ethical decision-making.

Emotivism

Emotivism suggests that ethical statements are expressions of emotions, attitudes, or preferences rather than statements of fact or reason. According to emotivism, ethical language does not convey objective truths but rather reflects our emotional responses or desires. Ethical statements, from this perspective, express our approval, disapproval, or emotional reactions to certain actions or situations.

Duty-based ethics

Duty-based ethics, often associated with deontological ethics, emphasizes the importance of moral duties and obligations. This approach focuses on the inherent nature of actions themselves rather than their consequences. Duty-based ethical theories, such as Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative, propose that certain actions are inherently right or wrong based on universal moral principles or duties that should guide our decision-making.

Virtue ethics

Virtue ethics centers around the development and cultivation of virtuous character traits. This approach emphasizes the importance of moral virtues and personal qualities such as honesty, courage, compassion, and integrity. Virtue ethics suggests that ethical behavior is not solely based on rules or consequences but stems from the character and virtues of the moral agent.

Situation ethics

Situation ethics holds that ethical decisions should be determined by the specific context or situation rather than by rigid moral rules or principles. Proponents of this approach argue that moral judgments should consider the unique circumstances, relationships, and consequences involved. Situation ethics encourages a flexible and pragmatic approach to moral decision-making, where love and compassion play a central role in guiding actions.

By exploring these diverse ethical perspectives, we expand our understanding of ethics as a way of thinking. These different approaches provide alternative lenses through which we can analyze and evaluate ethical dilemmas, moral values, and our own ethical frameworks. Developing a nuanced

What makes something ethic?

Ethics serves as a guide to determine what is considered ethical or morally right. It encompasses a set of principles and values that help us navigate complex decisions and actions. Here, we explore several key elements that contribute to ethical conduct and behavior.

Honesty

Honesty is a fundamental element of ethics. It requires all individuals to be committed to telling the truth in all forms of communication and in their actions. Honesty involves being transparent, sincere, and trustworthy, fostering an environment of integrity and trust among individuals and organizations.

Fairness

Fairness plays a vital role in ethical considerations. It involves treating others equitably and justly, without favoritism or bias. Fairness promotes equality, impartiality, and ensuring that decisions and actions are based on objective and unbiased criteria. Upholding fairness helps create a sense of justice and fosters a harmonious and inclusive environment.

Leadership

Leadership, within an ethical context, entails setting a positive example and guiding others toward ethical behavior. Ethical leadership involves demonstrating integrity, promoting transparency, and inspiring others to act ethically. Ethical leaders foster a culture of accountability and responsibility, nurturing an environment where individuals are encouraged to make ethical choices.

Integrity

Integrity is the foundation of ethical conduct. It entails adhering to a set of moral and ethical principles consistently, even when faced with challenges or temptations. Individuals with integrity demonstrate honesty, trustworthiness, and a strong moral character. Integrity helps build credibility and establishes a culture of ethical behavior.

Compassion

Compassion involves demonstrating empathy, care, and concern for the well-being of others. Ethical behavior includes considering the impact of actions on individuals and communities, showing kindness, and taking steps to alleviate suffering. Compassion fosters a sense of connection and promotes ethical decision-making centered around the welfare of others.

Respect

Respect is a fundamental ethical principle that involves recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals. Ethical conduct entails treating others with courtesy, tolerance, and understanding, regardless of differences in opinions, backgrounds, or beliefs. Respecting others’ autonomy, diversity, and rights contributes to an inclusive and harmonious ethical environment.

Responsibility

Responsibility encompasses being accountable for one’s actions and their consequences. Ethical behavior involves taking ownership of decisions and their impacts, considering the well-being of others and the broader community. Responsible individuals understand the ethical implications of their choices and strive to make decisions that align with moral principles and values.

Loyalty

Loyalty, within an ethical context, refers to a commitment to support and stand by individuals, organizations, or causes. Ethical loyalty involves acting in the best interest of those to whom loyalty is owed, while still adhering to ethical principles. It entails maintaining trust, confidentiality, and demonstrating fidelity to the shared values and goals of the community or organization. In addition to the elements mentioned above, other essential aspects that contribute to ethical conduct include respect, collaboration, stewardship, accountability, and quality. Upholding these values and principles fosters an ethical framework that guides individuals and organizations to make principled and morally sound decisions. By incorporating these elements into our actions and choices, we contribute to a more ethical and harmonious society.

Most popular Ethics

Don’t miss out on these mind-blowing ethics!
(Spoiler alert: they are amazing)

Deontology

Deontology is a theory that suggests actions are good or bad according to a clear set of rules.

Divine Command Theory

The Divine Command Theory is the idea that things are right because God commands them to be. It outlines an action as good or bad, regarding whether it carries God’s commands or not.

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is a theory of righteousness, which supports actions that encourage happiness or pleasure and opposes actions that cause unhappiness or harm. Utilitarianism would say that an effort is right if it leads to the happiness of the most significant number of people in a community or a society.

Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics is arguably the oldest ethical theory globally. It defines good deeds as ones that display virtuous characteristics, such as courage, loyalty, or wisdom. Evil actions display the opposing, such as cowardice, ignorance, and betrayal.

Consequentialism

Consequence Ethics looks at the consequences of the greater good. Consequentialism is an ideology or theory that defines right or wrong based on the outcomes.

What is Ethical?

Ethics serve as a framework for interpreting and understanding right or wrong in our society. When someone is unethical, it usually means that a person lacks particular morals or principles. Ethics are a guideline to decide whether something is good or bad. 

In the TEDx talk video below, Burroughs explains the numerous kinds of ethical problems we encounter, opportunities for improving our ethical awareness as everyday ethicists, and the purpose of adding ethics and philosophical study in our schools. Burroughs further explains the purpose of ethics in the lives of children and how adults can try to follow and learn from children in ethical discussions.

Read more about Natural Law Theory

Natural Law Theory is the most popular Ethic on this website nowadays.

Natural Law Theory says that human beings possess fundamental values that dictate our rationalizing and behavior. Natural law states that these rules on ‘right and wrong’ are integrated into people and are not conceived by society or court judges.

Subcategories of Ethics

Ethics can be divided into four different types or categories. Firstly, there are norms which are behavioral rules. Secondly, some values are one’s standard for behavior. Thirdly, one’s beliefs are what one accepts as true—lastly, one’s principles.

1. Norms

Norms are like rules for behavior. Norms divine that what is considered to be natural and normal. They are like habits within a society that everyone knows and applies. A norm serves as a guideline on treating each other in a socially desirable way.

Certain uncomfortable emotions can arise when you act differently from your norms—shame and guilt, for example. How strongly one adheres to the different norms heavily depends on the behavior of their environment.

Ethics sunflower
Ethics white flower

2. Values

Values are what are essential in life for someone. It is a person’s principle or standard for behavior. Values are the standards by which people decide their priorities and courses of action. For one, that would be honesty, courage, and trust. Conversely, for someone else, it could be more towards fairness, respect, or caring.

Ordinarily, it’s divided into four categories: justice, family, knowledge, and equality. To clarify, we listed five core values here: Dependability, Reliability, Loyalty, Commitment, and Compassion.

3. Beliefs

The difference between values and beliefs is that values are the ideas and beliefs regarding essential. Beliefs are something that a person believes and accept as accurate. Additionally, it is sustained by a person or a group of people. You can envision it as an arranged set of principles. Identically to your ideology.

Ethics red flower
Flower of principles

4. Principles

According to the Cambridge dictionary, a principle is a moral rule or standard of good behavior. For instance, it means that one is true to their word. Some principles divine that one must act in people’s best interest. For example, someone can claim that they will never gamble, only as a matter of principle, because they consider it is wrong.

The difference between Ethics and Morals

Ethics is the study of morality. It is more based on the individual and knows the right thing to do. Morals emphasize the widely-shared collective and are more about doing the right thing. To put it simply, both of them embrace the right thing to do. 

Moral decisions

A moral decision is a choice made based on a person’s ethics, manners, character, and what they believe is proper behavior. These choices tend to affect not only our own well-being but the well-being of others.

So, Why the F*CK do we even need Ethics?

Wow, mind your language ;-). The word ethic descended from the Greek word ‘ethos,’ which means morality, showing moral character. To clarify, it is connected to the surface. It serves as a guideline for making the right decision. There are different types of ethics: deontology, divine command theory, natural law theory, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and consequence ethics.

We are constantly confronted with choices that influence the essence and quality of our lives. If there is no implementation in human civilization, any society will fall with absolute certainty. During its collapse, it might shatter into groups with one single ethic: being loyal to your group.

We are aware that our decisions have consequences not only for ourselves but also for others. So by knowing what would be the right choice to make. You can ask yourself the following questions: ‘why do we need friendship?’ or ‘what are friends for?’.