What is an ethic?

[intricatic]

Who here can give the correct definition and application of an ethical value? Just a random inquiry.

 

[No Swansong]

As I understand it ethics is a term that is only used in the plural. "Ethics" is the study "right" or "correct" behavior. Sometimes defined as the study of of moral duty or obligation.

So I would assume that an "ethic" is a moral or correct behavior or decision.

 

[intricatic]

So ethics and morality are essentially the same thing? Isn't that kind of redundant?

 

[Skaloop]

So ethics and morality are essentially the same thing? Isn't that kind of redundant?

Not exactly the same. For instance, say a doctor finds out that his patient is HIV+ but the patient doesn't want to tell his wife. So the doctor decides to tell the wife. That would be unethical, as doctor-patient confidentiality is an important part of being a doctor. But it could also be considered moral as it could prevent her from being unwittingly infected.

From what I understand, ethics are more legalistic than morals, and have more to do with professional standards.

 

[quatona]

Who here can give the correct definition and application of an ethical value?

"The correct" definition?
I can give you a couple of definitions that are in use, according to a popular dictionary (Merriam Webster Online):

Main Entry:eth&#183;ic Pronunciation: \&#712;e-thik\ Function:noun Etymology:Middle English ethik, from Middle French ethique, from Latin ethice, from Greek &#275;thik&#275;, from &#275;thikosDate:14th century 1plural but sing or plural in constr : the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation2 a: a set of moral principles : a theory or system of moral values <the present-day materialistic ethic> <an old-fashioned work ethic> &#8212;often used in plural but singular or plural in construction <an elaborate ethics><Christian ethics> bplural but sing or plural in constr : the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group <professional ethics> c: a guiding philosophy d: a consciousness of moral importance <forge a conservation ethic>3plural : a set of moral issues or aspects (as rightness) <debated the ethics of human cloning>

So ethics and morality are essentially the same thing? Isn't that kind of redundant?

Well, they aren&#180;t things, to begin with. They are terms for concepts.
There are plenty of synonyms out there (words that can be said to point to "essentially the same" things or concepts), but there are still subtle differences. Add to that that - as the above example shows - each of those words can be used in different meanings.
Personally, I don&#180;t think that this is redundancy.

So what does Merriam Webster provide as common definitions of "moral"?

Main Entry:1mor&#183;al Pronunciation: \&#712;mo&#775;r-&#601;l, &#712;m&#228;r-\ Function:adjective Etymology:Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin moralis, from mor-, mos customDate:14th century 1 a: of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior : ethical <moral judgments> b: expressing or teaching a conception of right behavior <a moral poem> c: conforming to a standard of right behavior d: sanctioned by or operative on one's conscience or ethical judgment <a moral obligation> e: capable of right and wrong action <a moral agent>2: probable though not proved : virtual <a moral certainty>3: perceptual or psychological rather than tangible or practical in nature or effect <a moral victory> <moral support>

It&#180;s obvious that the words "moral" and "ethical" are often used almost interchangeably interchangeably, and MWO lists them as synonyms, along with "virtuous", "righteous" and "noble", essentially pointing to something that conforms to a "standard of what&#180;s right and good". And, alas, it even makes an attempt at pointing out possible differences:

. moral implies conformity to established sanctioned codes or accepted notions of right and wrong <the basic moral values of a community>.
ethical may suggest the involvement of more difficult or subtle questions of rightness, fairness, or equity <committed to the highest ethical principles>.

Hope this helps.

 

[No Swansong]

So ethics and morality are essentially the same thing? Isn't that kind of redundant?

Well there are shades of grey considering that these are constructs or mental conceptions. But they are related if not synonymous.

 

[No Swansong]

Not exactly the same. For instance, say a doctor finds out that his patient is HIV+ but the patient doesn't want to tell his wife. So the doctor decides to tell the wife. That would be unethical, as doctor-patient confidentiality is an important part of being a doctor. But it could also be considered moral as it could prevent her from being unwittingly infected.

From what I understand, ethics are more legalistic than morals, and have more to do with professional standards.

I have previously and perhaps will again in the future served on the "Ethics Board" (no kidding that's what they call if) of a local hospital. You are correct in that ethics has more to do with standards within a particular discipline. For example there are subsets known as Medical Ethics, Legal Ethics, Business Ethics etc.

I was surprised to discover however that the practice of ethics (determining the right decision in any given situation) has much less to do with the legal aspect of a situation than I thought it would. While discussion of legal liability or breaching civil, criminal or statutory law are always considered that consideration doesn't seem to be disproportionate to me.

 

[No Swansong]

Not exactly the same. For instance, say a doctor finds out that his patient is HIV+ but the patient doesn't want to tell his wife. So the doctor decides to tell the wife. That would be unethical, as doctor-patient confidentiality is an important part of being a doctor. But it could also be considered moral as it could prevent her from being unwittingly infected.

From what I understand, ethics are more legalistic than morals, and have more to do with professional standards.

Actually the physician is obligated to notify the CDC who would then notify all of his known sexual contacts. Spouses are always considered to be sexual contacts.

 

[Skaloop]

Actually the physician is obligated to notify the CDC who would then notify all of his known sexual contacts. Spouses are always considered to be sexual contacts.

Oh, OK. It was just the first sort of example that came to mind of something that might be unethical but moral.

Perhaps a better example is a defense lawyer who blows his case on purpose because he knows the accused is guilty. I think that'd be unethical, but possibly moral.

 

[No Swansong]

Oh, OK. It was just the first sort of example that came to mind of something that might be unethical but moral.

Actually I thought it was an excellent example. You clearly defined the difference between the two. I was just adding extraneous information that applied specifically to that situation.

Perhaps a better example is a defense lawyer who blows his case on purpose because he knows the accused is guilty. I think that'd be unethical, but possibly moral.

You know I have often thought about this. And at times my thoughts have changed. To me the most moral thing to do, and certainly the ethical thing to do would be to ask for resignation from the case. Many attorneys have pointed out to me that subverting the criminal justice system by neglecting the responsibility to defend ones client to the best of ones own ability in the long term is more grievous and dangerous to society as a whole than attempting to secure an acquittal for a guilty defendant. To a certain extent I can buy that, if a shoplifter is acquitted but the criminal justice system remains relatively unscathed then I can concede that justice has been served as best as possible. However I usually respond with "what if the individual is a very real danger to society such as a serial rapist or child molestor? I've never really received an answer to that which satisfied me.


I must admit however this is one reason why I could never be a criminal defense attorney. They are a special breed of individual there is no question about that.

 

[Jane_the_Bane]

Here's how I use these terms:

"Ethics" is avery broad and abstract term; a meta-category that deals with the ins and outs of "living the good life"; it's about reciprocity, the Golden Rule, the basic social conduct that's necessary in order to live in a community.

"Morality", on the other hand, encompasses both ethics and conventions: for example, a US American might feel that public breast feeding is immoral; a Saudi might think the same way about a woman riding a bicycle or leaving her hair uncovered; and a Japanese person may feel that public displays of affection are about as vulgar as having intercourse in the middle of the street. Moralities include cultural norms; little rules that have nothing to do with the Golden Rule, but which are perceived as ethical concerns.