Introduction to Ethics as Philosophy

1.1.Overview of Philosophy (love of wisdom) Philosophy is the study of general and

fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Such
questions are often posed as problems to be studied or resolved. The term was probably coined
by Pythagoras.

1.2.Morality and Ethics Morality deals with the principles concerning the distinction between
right and wrong or good and bad behaviour. “Morality” in the descriptive sense will need to
specify which of the codes put forward by a society or group count as moral. Even in small
homogeneous societies that have no written language, distinctions are sometimes made
between morality, etiquette, law, and religion. And in larger and more complex societies these
distinctions are often sharply marked. So “morality” cannot be taken to refer to every code of
conduct put forward by a society.

(The Definition of Morality, First published Wed Apr 17, 2002; substantive revision Mon Feb 8,
2016.) Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that "involves systematizing,
defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behaviour. At its simplest, ethics is
a system of moral principles. ... Ethics is concerned with what is good for individuals and society
and is also described as moral philosophy. The term is derived from the Greek word ethos
which can mean custom, habit, character or disposition. Both morality and ethics loosely have
to do with distinguishing the difference between “good and bad” or “right and wrong.” Many
people think of morality as something that's personal and normative, whereas ethics is the
standards of “good and bad” distinguished by a certain community or social setting.