What is the meaning of ethics?

Question

What are the meanings of the words: "ethics" and "ethical system"?

I would like to understand this sentence more clearly: "There were also other ethical systems developed apart from religion, particularly during the Hellenistic period. The Stoics created an ethical system that emphasized an inner moral independence, to be cultivated by strict discipline of the body and by personal bravery."

How does ethics relate to philosophy?

Answer 1

Ethics are rules followed based on common belief systems which happen to be in place at the time. Ethics can change for a society over time, because ethics are rules set up by a society which indicates what is decent, right, true, and moral. The ethics of the 1850's was that women wear long dresses and cover their bodies. Today that ethic, or belief system is no longer in place, and has been replaced by a more free and practical ethic. Religion is a set of beliefs held as true. Ethics are also a set of beliefs held as true. And sometimes the two of these clash.

Answer 2

eth·ic (thk)

n.

1.

a. A set of principles of right conduct.

b. A theory or a system of moral values: "An ethic of service is at war with a craving for gain" Gregg Easterbrook.

2. ethics (used with a sing. verb) The study of the general nature of morals and of the specific moral choices to be made by a person; moral philosophy.

3. ethics (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession: medical ethics.

Answer 3

Your personal set of ethics describe how you intend to act when you think you might get caught.

Morality, on the other hand, is the way you act when you're pretty sure no one is watching.