Ethics

Ethics refers to a branch of philosophy concerned with fundamental questions of the good, what it means to live a good and virtuous life and right and wrong. Ethics has historically been taught as a kind of foundational aspect of education and learning. Ethics is likely to be discussed as a specialty in philosophy broadly and as a focus within a profession or discipline (e.g., bioethics, business ethics). This entry begins with a brief overview of ethics as well as the importance of organized structures that offer ethical standards for individuals and groups. It then provides a life-span perspective of various ethical considerations, dilemmas, and aspirations that are noteworthy from childhood to older adulthood. Unique challenges and aspirations emerge across the life span and are ...