These are the factors in human behaviour that determine whether it is good or bad. There are three such determinants of ethics, namely the object, the end, and the circumstances. Object means what the free will chooses to do in thought, word, or deed or chooses not to do. By end is meant the purpose for which the act is willed, which may be the act itself (as one of loving God) or some other purpose for which a person acts (as reading to learn). In either case, the end is the motive or the reason why an action is performed. By circumstances are meant all the Elements that surround a human action and affect its morality without belonging to its essence. Some circumstances so affect the morals of an action as to change its species. Other circumstances change the extent of kindness or badness of an act. In bad acts they are called aggravating circumstances. To be ethically good, a human act must agree with the norm of morality on all three counts; in its nature, its motive, and its circumstances. Departure from any of these makes the action morally wrong.
Object of a Human Action
The object of an action is the first part of any action in a morality assessment. The object of any action is its essence. It is that which makes an action be what it is and not something else. Every action has an object. The object distinguishes the act from every other act. That object can be something good, bad or indifferent—that is, neither good nor bad. Lying and telling the truth are examples of two actions that are distinguished from each other according to moral criteria. The following principles apply to the object of every action.
An action whose object is bad by its very nature will remain bad and nothing can improve it—neither circumstances, nor purpose, nor intention. A lie, defined as speaking contrary to what is in the speakers mind, remains a lie despite the purpose or circumstance involved. Purpose and circumstance do not make it anything (another object) except a lie.
An action that is good may become bad because of circumstances or purpose. For example, telling the truth is a good act. By telling the truth, when silence would suffice, to destroy another person’s good name or character makes the good act of telling the truth a morally bad act because of the speaker’s purpose or intention.
An action that is indifferent (neither good nor bad) may become good or bad because of circumstances or purpose. Walking may be an indifferent act. But walking into a store to steal becomes a morally evil action because of the purpose.
Circumstances of a Human Action
Circumstances are those qualities that make an abstract act concrete and individual. Circumstances include such things as the act being done at a particular time, in a particular place, by a particular agent, in a particular manner. Moral circumstances, not physical, are the criteria for assessing the goodness or badness of a human action.9 Moral circumstances may increase the goodness or badness of a human action. To strike another person in self-defense is one thing; to strike another without any provocation or justification is another matter.
Some moral circumstances are aggravating when they increase the goodness or badness of an action. Thus, stealing from a homeless person is an aggravating circumstance that increases the badness of an already bad act. Circumstances are extenuating when they decrease the amount of badness of an action. For example, to steal 10 rs. from the Chase Manhattan Bank is not as bad as stealing 10 rs. from a homeless person, but it is still an evil act. Moral circumstances are specifying when they make an indifferent act become good or bad, or when they give a new kind of goodness or badness to an action. For example, taking Money from a till is an indifferent act. If the money belongs to the taker, the act is all right. But if the money belongs to another person, it is an evil, immoral act.
Some philosophers maintain that circumstances are the sole criterion for judging the morality of a human action. Joseph Fletcher, in particular, reflected this position.10 To a certain extent, subscribers to the teleological theory (interpretivists) may appear to focus more closely on the circumstances of an action, to the extent that they strive to understand or give meaning to a human action. However, interpretivists need not limit their consideration of morality to mere circumstances; they also can, as stated above, consider the nature of the action and its purpose.
The most difficult problem in situation ethics is that it often makes morality subjective and relative. There is nothing to prevent two persons in same circumstances from giving two diametrically opposite meanings to the same action. This implies that an action that is morally good for one person is morally evil for another. Although interpretivists do subscribe to human reason as an interpreter of human actions, the person who focuses on the situation alone cannot be sure of the moralitiy of at least some actions.
The Purpose of a Human Action
The end of a human action is the purpose the person had in mind while doing the act. It is the intention. People can have only one purpose or have a variety of purposes in doing a particular act.11 We can deduce certain principles based on the purpose in mind when performing the act.
An action that is indifferent because of its object may become good or bad because of the purpose. For example, jogging in itself is an indifferent act. When done to maintain good Health, it becomes a good act. When done to arrive at a place where the person commits theft or murder, it becomes an immoral action.
An action that is good because of its object may become more good or less good or even bad because of the purpose. For example, to give a donation to a homeless person is a good action. If you give the donation just to get rid of the person, it is still a good action, but not as good as in the first case. If you give the donation to lure the homeless person into doing something evil or immoral for you, the donation becomes an immoral act.
An action that is evil by its object may become more wrong or perhaps less wrong, but never good by its purpose. For instance, telling a lie is morally wrong. But telling a lie to defame another person is more wrong. Telling a lie “to get out of trouble” or to protect the interests of another person is still lying and still wrong, but less wrong because of the purpose. A good end does not justify a bad means.
,
The determinants of ethics are the factors that influence a person’s moral beliefs and behavior. These factors can include culture, religion, personal experience, and Education.
Culture: The culture in which a person is raised can have a significant impact on their ethical beliefs. For example, people who grow up in cultures that emphasize collectivism are more likely to value cooperation and social harmony than people who grow up in cultures that emphasize individualism.
In collectivist cultures, people are expected to put the needs of the group above the needs of the individual. This can lead to a strong sense of community and cooperation, but it can also lead to a suppression of individual rights and freedoms.
In individualist cultures, people are expected to put their own needs and goals first. This can lead to a strong sense of personal autonomy and achievement, but it can also lead to a lack of concern for others and a focus on material possessions.
Religion: Religion can also play a role in shaping a person’s ethical beliefs. Many religions have specific codes of conduct that their followers are expected to follow. These codes of conduct can cover a wide range of issues, such as honesty, sexual behavior, and violence.
For example, the Ten Commandments are a set of religious and moral principles that play an important role in Judaism and Christianity. The Ten Commandments include prohibitions against murder, theft, adultery, and false testimony. They also include instructions to honor one’s parents and to keep the Sabbath day holy.
Personal experience: A person’s personal experiences can also influence their ethical beliefs. For example, someone who has been the victim of a crime may be more likely to believe that criminals should be punished harshly.
On the other hand, someone who has worked with criminals may be more likely to believe that they can be rehabilitated. Personal experiences can also shape our views on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment.
Education: Education can also play a role in shaping a person’s ethical beliefs. Schools often teach students about the importance of honesty, respect, and fairness. They may also discuss ethical issues such as euthanasia and abortion.
In addition to formal education, people can also learn about ethics through informal education, such as reading books and articles, watching documentaries, and talking to others about their beliefs.
It is important to note that the determinants of ethics are not always clear-cut. For example, a person’s religious beliefs may conflict with their cultural values. In these cases, people must decide which values are more important to them.
Ultimately, the determinants of ethics are complex and vary from person to person. However, by understanding the factors that influence our moral beliefs, we can better understand ourselves and the world around us.
What is ethics?
Ethics is the study of morality and the principles of right and wrong. It is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of good and evil and the rules and principles that govern human behavior.
What are the different types of ethics?
There are many different types of ethics, but some of the most common include:
Deontological ethics: This type of ethics is based on the idea that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the consequences.
Consequentialist ethics: This type of ethics is based on the idea that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences.
Virtue ethics: This type of ethics is based on the idea that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by the character of the person who performs it.
Professional ethics: This type of ethics is concerned with the moral principles that should guide the behavior of professionals in their work.
What are the determinants of ethics?
There are many factors that can influence a person’s ethical beliefs and behavior, including:
Culture: The culture in which a person is raised can have a significant impact on their ethical beliefs. For example, people from different cultures may have different views on issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and animal rights.
Religion: Religion can also play a role in shaping a person’s ethical beliefs. For example, many religions teach that it is wrong to kill, steal, or lie.
Personal values: A person’s personal values are also important determinants of their ethical beliefs. For example, someone who values honesty may be more likely to tell the truth, even if it is difficult.
Family and friends: The people in a person’s life can also influence their ethical beliefs. For example, if a person’s parents always taught them to be honest, they are more likely to be honest themselves.
Education: Education can also play a role in shaping a person’s ethical beliefs. For example, people who study philosophy or ethics may be more likely to think critically about moral issues.
Experience: A person’s life experiences can also influence their ethical beliefs. For example, someone who has been the victim of a crime may be more likely to believe that criminals should be punished harshly.
What are some ethical dilemmas?
An ethical dilemma is a situation in which there is no clear right or wrong answer. Some common ethical dilemmas include:
Should I tell the truth, even if it hurts someone’s feelings?
Should I help someone who is in need, even if it puts me at risk?
Should I obey the law, even if I believe it is unjust?
Should I sacrifice my own happiness for the greater good?
How can I make ethical decisions?
There are many different ways to make ethical decisions. Some common approaches include:
Consider the consequences of your actions.
Think about your values and principles.
Talk to someone you trust for advice.
Follow your conscience.
Do what you believe is right, even if it is difficult.
What are the benefits of being ethical?
There are many benefits to being ethical, including:
You will feel good about yourself.
You will build trust and respect with others.
You will be more likely to succeed in your career.
You will make a positive impact on the world.
What are the consequences of being unethical?
There are many consequences of being unethical, including:
You may feel guilty or ashamed.
You may lose the trust and respect of others.
You may be fired from your job.
You may go to jail.
You may damage your reputation.
What is the importance of ethics in business?
Ethics is important in business because it helps to ensure that businesses operate in a fair and responsible manner. Ethical businesses are more likely to be successful in the long run, as they are more likely to attract and retain customers and employees.
What are some examples of ethical business practices?
Some examples of ethical business practices include:
Which of the following is not a determinant of ethics?
(A) Culture (B) Religion (C) Personal beliefs (D) The law
Answer (D) The law is not a determinant of ethics. Ethics are moral principles that govern a person’s behavior. The law is a set of rules that are enforced by the government. While the law may be based on ethical principles, it is not the same thing as ethics.
Question 2
Which of the following is an example of a cultural determinant of ethics?
(A) The belief that it is wrong to steal (B) The belief that it is wrong to kill (C) The belief that it is wrong to eat meat (D) All of the above
Answer (D) All of the above are examples of cultural determinants of ethics. Culture is the shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group of people. These beliefs and values can influence what people believe is right and wrong.
Question 3
Which of the following is an example of a religious determinant of ethics?
(A) The belief that it is wrong to steal (B) The belief that it is wrong to kill (C) The belief that it is wrong to eat meat (D) All of the above
Answer (D) All of the above are examples of religious determinants of ethics. Religion is a system of beliefs that often includes a set of moral principles. These moral principles can influence what people believe is right and wrong.
Question 4
Which of the following is an example of a personal determinant of ethics?
(A) The belief that it is wrong to steal (B) The belief that it is wrong to kill (C) The belief that it is wrong to eat meat (D) The belief that it is wrong to lie
Answer (D) The belief that it is wrong to lie is an example of a personal determinant of ethics. Personal ethics are the moral principles that govern a person’s behavior. These principles are often based on a person’s beliefs, values, and experiences.
Question 5
Which of the following is the most important determinant of ethics?
(A) Culture (B) Religion (C) Personal beliefs (D) None of the above
Answer (D) None of the above is the most important determinant of ethics. All of the factors mentioned above can influence a person’s ethics, but the most important determinant is the individual’s own conscience.