Philosophy: Definition of Ethics

Ethics is a personal, group, societal, or institutional guideline for a moral character and provides the principles which define and lead the individual’s or institution’s behavior. Ethics provides a moral code that highlights the personal attributes that are regarded to as moral conduct. Ethics may also be considered to as the standards that are used to measure right or wrong, vice or virtue, and good or bad especially when referring to a person's values or actions. In an institutional realm, it is more of what defines an ideal human conduct that is vital in establishing right interrelationships (Sweet, 2001).

Personally, I keep about four ethical standards that guide my everyday life. I am a student, thus when I am undertaking my scholarly responsibilities and duties, I am guided by the academic code of ethics. This is provided by the college and is observed when doing even the minor things at school such as ensuring that I diligently complete all the class assignments doing them myself and restraining copying other student's work. Moreover, I am a part-time employee and thus when at work, and more so, when I am handling any matters that concern my job regardless of whether I am at work or not, I abide by the professional workplace's code of ethics. Lastly, I operate under personal beliefs and my Christian values in endeavors concerning my personal life and my relations with other people.

I strictly follow the above ethical standards because they are the only principles that enhance my character to standards that are expected by the particular institutions thus making my identity with them acceptable. For example, although my personal values, beliefs, and Christianity restrain me from scholarly and professional misconduct such as taking bribes or copying another student's work, failure from being ethical is also punishable. Failure to observe any of the school ethics, I risk being suspended or expelled while failing to keep the professional ethical standards puts me at a risk of losing my job and being poorly recommended by the employer.

I agree with the Aristotle’s ethical theory, and I believe in the Christian ethical views. The Aristotle’s theory observes that ethical standards are only achieved through practices; otherwise, the knowledge concerning any ethical value is inadequate in making a person or individual to observe the value. It emphasizes that after wisdom and knowledge, there is a need to practice an ethical standard (Graham, 2011). I believe in the Christian view that after distinguishing virtuous and wrong behaviors, it further introduces the concept of free will. I believe in free will; ethical standards ought to be internally generated rather than observing them due to the fear of the repercussions for failure to follow them. I also agree with the utilitarian view of ethics which notes that good and bad is defined by the consequences of an action. If the consequences are painful and bad, then such an action is bad and unethical, and likewise if the consequences are good, the action is ethical.

I agree with the Aristotle’s ethics theory because it emphasizes on practicing ethical actions as the only way to demonstrate ethical standards. This theory particularly disregards the Platonism theory that emphasis on knowledge (Chandler, 2007). I believe that knowledge is important, however, practice is necessary. The Christian view, on the other hand, introduces the importance of free will to practice that which is virtuous. The utilitarian theory emphasizes on the rewards of being virtuous.

In my school endeavors and my life, I follow these three views of ethical standards and implement them in my interpersonal relationships with my seniors and equals. Also, the theories guide how I undertake my daily responsibilities with diligence; being completely responsible and doing good regardless of whether I am being supervised or not. I believe that if the principle of good guide the actions of all people, then the world will be a better place.