Meaning of ethical values ​​(what they are, concept and definition)

What are Ethical Values:

Ethical values ​​are behavioral guides that regulate the conduct of an individual. In the first place, ethics is the branch of philosophy that studies what is moral and performs an analysis of the moral system to be applied at the individual and social level.

Among the most relevant ethical values can be mentioned: justice, freedom, respect, responsibility, integrity, loyalty, honesty, fairness, among others.

Ethical values ​​are acquired during the individual development of each human being with experience in the family, social, school environment, and even through the media.

Ethical values ​​demonstrate the personality of the individual, a positive or negative image, as a consequence of his conduct. Also, you can appreciate the convictions, feelings and interests that the person has.

For example, the individual who fights for justice and freedom, values ​​considered as positive, are the reflection of a just person. But, on the contrary, a human being apathetic towards these values ​​and who gives some support to injustices is observed.

Therefore, ethical values ​​allow regulating the behavior of the individual to achieve collective well-being and a harmonious and peaceful coexistence in society.

Etymologically, the word ethics is of Greek origin ethos which means "habit or custom" and the suffix -ico that expresses "relative to".

Relative ethical values

Ethical values ​​can be relative by virtue of the point of view that each individual has.

For example, for a person it is synonymous with responsibility to be punctual at their workplace. However, for another this situation is not considered as something of relevance, so you may be late for your job and not feel irresponsible.

Therefore, it should be mentioned that there are many people who do not share opinions or respect the different points of view of others. That is, what for some is an ethical or positive attitude, necessarily, is not for others.

Absolute ethical values

Ethical values ​​can also be absolute by virtue of what is considered a habit or custom practiced by the entire society. They are not subjective and their meaning remains unchanged beyond personal or collective experiences.

That is, in general terms and beyond the existing cultural differences between people, we are all capable of recognizing what solidarity or respect is, as well as identifying those acts considered as good or bad.

For example, all individuals know or recognize what cordiality is regardless of whether or not they practice it with those around them.

Ethical judgment

On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that the human being lives in a constant ethical judgment, which refers to reasoning and determining which action, conduct or attitude is the most successful at a given moment, based on the norms and values ​​imposed by the society.

When the individual is faced with an ethical judgment, it is important to understand the ethical problem, seek the best solution that does not harm other individuals, and reflect on why it was the best solution to that situation.

See also: Ethics

Ethical and moral values

Ethical values ​​also include moral values, which are those that allow us to differentiate between good and bad, and just and unfair in a given situation or circumstance.

Moral judgment is the mental act that allows the individual to determine his attitude towards what is right and wrong.

Ethical and human values

Human values ​​are the properties, qualities or characteristics that an individual possesses. Likewise, these values ​​are universal and dynamic, they are shared in all cultures and, they determine the guidelines and norms of coherent behavior, therefore they are related to ethical values.

See also:

• Human values.Types of values.