Ethics
/ˈɛθ.ɪks/noun
A set of moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.
Did you know?The word 'ethics' is derived from the Greek 'ethos', which originally referred to a dwelling or habitat, hinting at how our environment shapes moral behavior.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἦθος (ēthos)
“Character, habit, or dwelling; the essence of a person's nature.”
Middle French
French
éthique
“Philosophical study of morality and moral principles.”
Late Latin
Latin
ethica
“Moral philosophy, relating to ethical conduct.”
Early Modern English
English
ethics
“The study of moral principles and values guiding human conduct.”