Question

The study of ethics and philosophy is one that brings many different kinds of "thinkers" together. One person's philosophy on ethics is another person's philosophy on evil. We will be working this term on constructing personal ethical bases and understanding how ethical codes (both personal and professional) are created and followed.

To start us thinking about the different areas of philosophy and ethics, and how we fit into the different molds or world views, let's discuss the differences and similarities between these views. To do this, let's look at the role of right and wrong, laws which regulate behavior, principles vs. morality, and the role of ethics in our society.

Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, address one of the following questions:

• Do we need ethics if we have laws? Why or why not?
• Examine the issues with changing our own views of ethics based on the situation we are in?
• Can we "legislate" ethics? If so, how do you see this happening? If not, what are the obstacles to legislating ethics?
• How does Aristotle's "virtue ethics" mirror your ethical view, or how is it different? Make sure to explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

Answer: We need ethics if we have laws because the main reason is that the laws changes with time but ethics remains same. The ethical concern is the set of moral values and righteousness. The ethical consideration provides platform to think or differentiate between right and wrong.

We can understand this with a simple example that in some of the countries homosexuality is prohibited and some of country's law allows it. So, the law changes according to the time or place. But ethics remains constant as it provides the guidance for the correct action that should be taken while in Dilemma.