The definition of ethical behaviour is very open to interpretation.  That is  applying the principles of morality to determine right or wrong behavioural conduct (so called ethical behaviour) can be somewhat subjective.

What is moral behaviour?

In simplistic terms I would argue moral behaviour is the practice of good works through selfless actions.  Of course this raises the question what is good?  Also what is selfless.

Considering my life is all about me, selfless must be a behaviour I embrace within the context of my self.  (That is I decide what is selfless behaviour not the observer).  Thus selfless behaviour is highly subjective.

External Influences

My conclusion is, if the practice of ethical behaviour is entirely based on your own subjective assessment it is truly of little value.  In truth it must reflect your knowledge/understanding of social and cultural norms.

Still subjective, (ultimately you are the one doing the interpreting) but at least now there is a bar or baseline to validate and measure against which is not entirely about you.

The ethical behavior arising from this moral understanding will then be governed by rules or standards for right conduct or practices influenced and directed by societal norms.

Typically these rules are refered to as laws, professional standards or common cultural beliefs with such universal acceptance they are labled as behavioural norms.

Were it so Simply

Logically then, we should all be able to operate within a common moral context leading to consistent ethical behaviour.  NOT!!!

Rationalization and selective interpretation are virtually impossible to banish.  And so, our own believe system (and it is as individual as we are) is a key inflencer to our moral understanding and thus the associated ethical behaviour.

So isthat  just the way it is?  Do we throw up our hands and give up?Can we do something to make it better? As a society are we doing something to make it better?

Stay tuned, more musings on this topic tommorow.