There are three terms ethics, morals, and laws that will be defined. I will also compare the three sets of guiding principles ethics, morals and laws and their impact on people’s lives. In addition, I will explore the advantages and disadvantages of having the distinction between ethics, morals, and laws being blurred. According to Miriam Webster Dictionary, the term “ethics” can be defined as rules or behavior based on ideas about what is morally good and bad, or a branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong. The term “morals” is defined as concerning or relating to what is right and wrong in human behavior, or considered right and good by most people (agreeing with a standard of right behavior). The term “laws” is
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The author states, “Ethics is very much concerned with the effects of our behavior on others," says Randy Cohen, author of The Good, the Bad & the Difference: How to Tell Right from Wrong in Everyday Situations (Doubleday, 2002). Many ethicists believe the guidelines for figuring out the best actions are shared by most cultures, and include respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, compassion, citizenship, and fairness. To that list Cohen would add actions that discourage human suffering, and that promote happiness, an egalitarian society, and the greatest good for the greatest number of people. A fair deal, he says, is something like the way kids divide a cookie: one cuts and the other picks”. In America, there are certain beliefs, practices, and expectations which are common to all cultures, races, religious sects, etc. and it is those guiding principles that lend themselves to understanding the difference between what is considered “right” or “wrong” or “good” or “bad”. The teaching of moral and ethical values is very prevalent in society and those core values are the leading ethos which precipitates one to act in accordance with the laws which govern a community, state, or …show more content…
If a clear distinction is not made, individuals could possibly face harassment, scrutiny, or sanctions imposed because of one’s personal beliefs and core values which may be in juxtaposition with those of someone in a position of authority or the views within an organization. It is very important to keep the distinction clear so that we do not cross the line in reference to those actions or decisions which are in direct violation of law which should be punished as opposed to those decisions which are not held in high regard in accordance with ethical and moral values.
In conclusion, I’ve gleaned that on different levels there is a definite relationship between ethical, moral, and legal ideals. The basic understanding that there are various instances when individuals must be allowed to employ free moral agency; however, this cannot be at the expense of not following the law of the land. There must be a careful balance and clear distinction between each guiding
The author states, “Ethics is very much concerned with the effects of our behavior on others," says Randy Cohen, author of The Good, the Bad & the Difference: How to Tell Right from Wrong in Everyday Situations (Doubleday, 2002). Many ethicists believe the guidelines for figuring out the best actions are shared by most cultures, and include respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, compassion, citizenship, and fairness. To that list Cohen would add actions that discourage human suffering, and that promote happiness, an egalitarian society, and the greatest good for the greatest number of people. A fair deal, he says, is something like the way kids divide a cookie: one cuts and the other picks”. In America, there are certain beliefs, practices, and expectations which are common to all cultures, races, religious sects, etc. and it is those guiding principles that lend themselves to understanding the difference between what is considered “right” or “wrong” or “good” or “bad”. The teaching of moral and ethical values is very prevalent in society and those core values are the leading ethos which precipitates one to act in accordance with the laws which govern a community, state, or …show more content…
If a clear distinction is not made, individuals could possibly face harassment, scrutiny, or sanctions imposed because of one’s personal beliefs and core values which may be in juxtaposition with those of someone in a position of authority or the views within an organization. It is very important to keep the distinction clear so that we do not cross the line in reference to those actions or decisions which are in direct violation of law which should be punished as opposed to those decisions which are not held in high regard in accordance with ethical and moral values.
In conclusion, I’ve gleaned that on different levels there is a definite relationship between ethical, moral, and legal ideals. The basic understanding that there are various instances when individuals must be allowed to employ free moral agency; however, this cannot be at the expense of not following the law of the land. There must be a careful balance and clear distinction between each guiding