What is Ethics? The answer to this question varies depending on to whom you ask the question. When asking this question, one person may define ethics using their own beliefs and values as a guideline while another person will answer differently depending on their beliefs and values. The following paper will define the major theories of ethics, apply the tools of critical thinking to ethics analysis, compare and contrast ethics, values, morals, and beliefs, and discuss written and unwritten codes of ethics.

Ethical Relativism This theory believes that morality is comparative to the norms of a person’s culture or that an action is right or wrong depending on one’s society to which they belong. This theory supports a belief there are no universal moral standards that can be applied to people from different societies at all times. To resolve disputes or reach ethical agreements can be judge only by the society’s own standards (www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/ethicalrelativism).

Because they claim the underlying principles from one society to another do not differ even if their moral practices do differ, most reject the ethical

Discuss the case with relevant other; gather opinions.

Teleological Ethical System This theory is considered the liberal approach. The basic view behind teleological ethics is to bring about what is good in the world, and avoid what is bad or evil. Moral judgments in many situations come down to thinking about the consequences of one’s actions, and doing what one believes will bring about the greater good. Two theories represent the consequence ethical theory; Ethical Egoism and Utilitarianism. (www.nwmissouri.edu).

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