How are ethics defined?

Ethics are fundamentally about understanding and evaluating human conduct in terms of what is considered right and wrong. By focusing on the values related to actions and their moral implications, this definition encapsulates the broader philosophical foundations of ethics. Ethics guide individuals and organizations in determining the implications of their actions and the morality of their decisions, allowing for a structured approach to handling complex dilemmas in various fields, including healthcare.

In contrast, the other definitions provided can be seen as narrower or more specific. Rules of conduct established by organizations may relate to ethical behavior but do not encompass the full depth of ethics as a concept. Personal beliefs certainly play a role in shaping one's ethical viewpoints, but ethics as a field is more about the collective standards of conduct rather than individual variations. Legal obligations imposed by the government pertain to the law, which may coincide with ethical considerations but are ultimately separate from the broader ideation of ethics itself. Thus, defining ethics through the lens of values related to human conduct provides a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.