Understanding Ethics

Definition of Ethics

Origin: Derived from the Greek word ethos meaning custom or character.
Branch of Philosophy: Studies rightness or wrongness of human actions.
Main Questions:
- How should humans act?
- What constitutes right conduct and the good life?
Goal: Seek the good through reason.
Dynamic Nature: No single absolute definition; evolves with socio-cultural and political contexts.

Greek Tradition: Focused on the concept of the good life and happiness.
- Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics: Explores happiness and ways to attain it.
Judeo-Christian Tradition: Emphasizes righteousness before God and love of God/neighbor over happiness.
Challenge: Reconciling right conduct with happiness.

Ethics: Theory of right action; systematic study of underlying principles of morality.
Morality: Practice of ethics; prescriptive in nature, guides actions based on norms.
Terence McConnell's View: Morality is a rational enterprise focused on norms for peaceful coexistence.
Conclusion: Ethics = Science of morals; Morality = Practice of ethics.

Normative Ethics
- Nature: Prescriptive; sets norms for right/wrong conduct.
- Goal: Develop guidelines on how to behave.
- Example: Kant's notion that acts are morally right if done for the sake of duty.
Meta Ethics
- Nature: Descriptive; addresses meanings of ethical terms and principles.
- Questions: Nature and origin of moral facts, acquisition of moral beliefs.
- Example: Plato's inquiry into why one should be moral.
Applied Ethics
- Nature: Application of ethical theories to specific moral dilemmas.
- Focus Areas: Abortion, euthanasia, business ethics, biomedical ethics, environmental ethics, social ethics.
- Example Situations: Resolving moral problems (e.g., ectopic pregnancy).

Scenario: A police officer shoots a terrorist to prevent a bombing.
- Morality of Act: Killing is intrinsically wrong (Meta Ethics).
- Normative Ethics Perspective: Officer’s act may be right due to potential lives saved.
- Applied Ethics Perspective: Officer is fulfilling duty to protect innocent lives.

Ethics is a comprehensive and evolving field that navigates complex moral landscapes.
Understanding its different branches helps clarify moral dilemmas and ethical discussions.

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