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Introduction: Ethics and values are two fundamental aspects of the life of humans. The determination of what is important is done by values, while ethics determine the fine line between right and wrong.
What are Ethics?
The set of rules which govern a person’s behaviour is known as ethics. It is a branch of philosophy establishing moral principles. It is a necessary code of behaviour in a person’s professional field. e.g., in the case of medical ethics, disclosing the confidential information of the patient is a breach of ethics.
Three major branches of ethics are:
1. Meta Ethics: Ethical philosophy that analyses the meaning and scope of moral values.
2. Normative Ethics: The study of the moral course of action through practical means.
3. Applied Ethics: This branch tells us how we can achieve moral outcomes, in a particular circumstance.
What are Values?
Values refer to the important and enduring beliefs or principles, based on which an individual makes judgements in life. Values are unique to each person and can be significantly influenced by culture, society or religion. Giving respect to the elderly, providing help in need are examples of it.
What are the Key differences between Ethics and Values?
| Aspect | Ethics | Values |
| Meaning | Ethics refer to the guidelines for conduct, that address questions of morality. | Values provide the principles and ideals upon which judgement is made of what is more important. |
| Where to apply | Mostly Professional | Personal |
| Consistency | Does not vary in most cases | Varies from one person to another |
| Influenced By | Profession, Institution, Organization | A person’s values are shaped by their family, their religion, culture, their society, etc. |
| Types or branches | Mainly 3: Meta-Ethics, Applied Ethics, Normative Ethics | Various types: Moral Values, Religious Values, Social Values, Aesthetic Values etc. |
| What it does? | Helps constrain the negative behavior of a person. | Motivates a person in the necessary areas. |
| Examples | Integrity, Loyalty, Punctuality, and Honesty. | Prejudice, Judgement, Perspective, and Dislike. |
UPSC Syllabus: Ethics and Values
