A ethical question about ethics?

The interesting thing about ethics is its historical beginnings, and not just from an academic point of view. The two great ethicists were Socrates and Aristotle, and both believed that ethics was more important than morals, because morals is merely about doing the right thing: ethics is about both doing the right thing and living the good life. And they didn't mean by that having a lot of fun, which is Hedonism, a completely separate field. Both also believed that the way to becoming ethical is through self-knowledge and self-realisation, both of which require, as part of the 'good' life, that we learn as much as we can about all things that affect the human life, because without knowledge we cannot become properly self-aware. Many modern philosphers/psychologists, like C. G. Jung, Abraham Maslow, and Lawrence Kohlberg have followed their lead with theories of how to reach self-actualisation. This is where I move out of abstract theory into your practical question. We live in an era of denial, and one of the things we most deny is our own better side. We live in a society that worships greed and hedonistic pleasure, both of which are unethical if one seeks to live a 'good' life. But because we dare not subject these motivations to close scrutiny because of the bad things it will say about our behaviour, we deny that there is anything wrong with them. And so, honesty, compassion, respect, all those things that make up the ethical character, are deliberately undervalued. Lash

Ethics as far as I believe are the set of code of conducts which we think are right to follow. But every person has different set of code of conducts which he or she feels is right. So in his or her own rights everyone of us has ethics but the standard varies from person to person.

I have always tried to live with certain ethics as well. When I try to live without, I don't feel well about it. But, I must say, being to honest in life is not good either. Sometimes it is just better to say nothing. So that others can keep there self respect as well. I have learned that everyone see's truth different. What is truth for you can be a lie for someone else. This is a big lesson in life. There comes respect. Respect comes before truth. Something I am only recently learning to get along with. Like you I have felt hurt because others have not been honest to me. You feel hurt, because you now you would not be dishonest. But, on the other hand , maybe this person really believes himself. Look at yourself and now you are doing the right thing. Then you have no need to judge others. Because with self respect, you don't worry about what others do or do not. Take care.

I am well aware that there are people who do not behave ethically and I have crossed swords with people like that more than once. I have always held to my ethical beliefs even when others don't and I feel it makes me better than them. I will not stoop to be like others just because they are greedy and selfish. I do not see being ethical as a weakness and I am sure that one day it will prevail again but if the last bastion of ethics gives up then how can it prevail? Stay true to your beliefs and know that it makes you a better person than them no matter what happens.

We all learn as children the difference between right and wrong. But then we grow up. Life is a series of phases. Things we thought were important at one stage of life, will lose their luster at another. So our 'ethics' may change as we mature. For those that pay attention, as long as they maintain and strengthen their personal integrity throughout those phases of life, though their 'ethics' may change in small ways, their sense of right and wrong and all that implies will remain valid and the true source of their strength as an individual. Sadly, there are just too many people who just don't pay attention.........

Ethics is a major branch of philosophy, encompassing right conduct and good life. It is significantly broader than the common conception of analyzing right and wrong. A central aspect of ethics is "the good life", the life worth living or life that is simply satisfying, which is held by many philosophers to be more important than moral conduct.

I have tried to be honest. And I am serious about it. Whether people are honest or not, I have tried to be true to myself and the God whom I believe is my witness. Sometimes it is extremely tough, but I know it will be more difficult for me if I cheat myself.

Those who do not live by a moral code will never respect those who do. I would keep living the way I am no matter what other people do. You have to be the change you want to see in the world.

I believe that in this day and age it is important to associate with people whose ehtics you agree with and let the others keep to themselves. Do you believe in what you hold to be the foundations of truth and intellect? If so stand true to those things no matter what others say or do. Every one has a right to their thoughts, feelings, etc. But, when they infringe on others it becomes a problem. I would just associate with those who I agree with and understand and respect where they are coming from.