With suitable examples, explain that “Ethics is a science of values”.

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of moral conduct and the evaluation of human behavior. It is the science of values that examines what is good and bad, right and wrong, and what we ought to do. Ethics is concerned with the moral principles that govern our actions and decisions.

• One example of an ethical principle is the principle of autonomy, which holds that individuals have the right to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their actions. This principle is often invoked in discussions about issues such as euthanasia, where individuals have the right to make the decision to end their own life if they are suffering from a terminal illness.
• Another example of an ethical principle is the principle of justice, which holds that all individuals should be treated fairly and that resources should be distributed in a manner that is equitable. This principle is often invoked in discussions about issues such as income inequality, where some individuals have access to more resources than others.
• Ethics also encompasses the study of professional ethics, which deals with the moral principles that govern the behavior of individuals in specific professions, such as medicine, law, and business. For example, a doctor has the ethical responsibility to do no harm to the patients, while a lawyer has the responsibility to be honest with the court and protect the client’s interest.

Thus, ethics is a science of values that examines what is good and bad, right and wrong, and what we ought to do. It deals with moral principles that govern human behavior and actions, and it encompasses the study of professional ethics which deals with the moral principles of specific professions. Understanding ethics is essential for individuals and organizations to navigate the complex moral dilemmas that arise in everyday life.