“The dictionary defines ethics as:
The study of standards of conduct and moral judgement; moral philosophy
A treatise on this study
The system or code of morals of a particular person, religion, group, profession
According to this definition, ethics can be one of two things. It can be something that you study and think about, or it can be a code that you follow and live by.
Knowing that the definition of ethics is a code of morals does not really help to define what is ethical. The moral code itself has to provide that definition. Therefore the question of defining ethics becomes linked with the question of defining morals.”
[http://www.yourdictionary.com/ethics]
“The dictionary defines morals as:
Relating to, dealing with, or capable of making the distinction between right and
wrong in conduct.
Relating to, serving to teach, or in accordance with the principles of right and
wrong.
Good or right in conduct or character; sometimes, specific, virtuous in sexual
conduct.
Designating support that involves approval and sympathy without action.
Being virtually such because of its effect on thoughts and attitudes, or because
of its general results; a moral victory.
Based on strong probability; a moral certainty.
Based on the principle of right conduct rather than legality; a moral obligation.
Law based on general observation of people rather than on demonstration; moral
evidence.
Thus it would seem that the definition of ethics is a code determined by that which is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. Unfortunately that leads us to more questions about what is defined as ‘right’ and what is ‘wrong’. As you can see, we can go in circles all day trying to find a clear definition of ethics in the dictionary and we will just keep finding more words that we need to define.”
[http://www.yourdictionary.com/ethics]
