Definitiveness of Ethical Human Conduct
1. What Ethical Human Conduct Means
Ethical human conduct = conduct that is in line with natural acceptance and right understanding, i.e., definite (not ambiguous, not varying with mood). It is universal, invariant, and human.
2. Definitiveness Means
Definitiveness = definite, precise, not relative — ethical conduct can be clearly defined in terms of values (trust, respect), policies, and character, not as personal opinion. Because it is based on natural acceptance (which is universal), it is same for all, not culturally relative as often thought.
3. Components of Ethical Conduct (exam list)
| Component | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Values (right feeling) | e.g., trust, respect — feelings that are naturally acceptable |
| Policy | right thoughts — e.g., "I will produce not to exploit" |
| Character | right actions — e.g., honesty, non-stealing, kindness in behaviour and work |
Together they make conduct definite: think right → feel right → do right → rest results in harmony.
4. Why Definitiveness Is Possible
Because natural acceptance is definite (everyone accepts happiness, respect), and right understanding is definite (harmony principles), the conduct based on them is also definite — not like "ethics is whatever society says".
5. Exam Points
- Define ethical human conduct and its definitiveness — 5 marks, very frequent (almost certain to ask "Is ethical conduct definite?").
- State that it is based on natural acceptance, hence universal — 5 marks, frequent.
- List values, policy, character as components — 3-5 marks, frequent.
- Give example of definite conduct (e.g., not stealing is definite) — 3 marks.