Terms, Use, and Definition
ENGL101, Essay 2—Ethical Argument
What is ethics?
At its simplest, ethics is a system of moral principles [—not morals, but moral principles]. They affect how people make decisions and lead their lives.
Ethics is concerned with what is good for individuals and society and is also described as moral philosophy.
The term is derived from the Greek word ethos which can mean custom, habit, character or disposition.
Ethics covers the following dilemmas:
- how to live a good life
- our rights and responsibilities
- the language of right and wrong
- moral decisions - what is good and bad?
Our concepts of ethics have been derived from religions, philosophies and cultures. They infuse debates on topics like abortion, human rights and professional conduct.
Approaches to ethics
Philosophers nowadays tend to divide ethical theories into three areas: metaethics, normative ethics and applied ethics.
Meta-ethics deals with the nature of moral judgement. It looks at the origins and meaning of ethical principles.
Normative ethics is concerned with the content of moral judgments and the criteria for what is right or wrong.
Applied ethics looks at controversial topics like war, animal rights and capital punishment.
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Ethics are a system of moral principles (not morals, but moral 'principles') and a branch of philosophy which defines what is good for individuals and society [based on a chosen ethical standard: such as Christianity].
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This page has been archived and is no longer updated. The Ethics Guide, provided by the BBC, can be located online through http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/intro_1.shtml#h1 and accessed readily. All content from this specific ethics guide is property of the BBC.
Compiled by Jeanette L. H. Dick © 2018
BBC Ethics Guide (part 1)
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