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Personal ethics

Similar to beliefs and values, personal ethics can differ widely from person to person.

As discussed in the previous section, beliefs and values often motivate a person by defining what they see as being important in their life. In turn, they influence a person’s attitude, and how a person behaves

Personal ethics are standards by which their behavior is judged for being “right” or “wrong”. In other words, ethical expectations constrain the behavior of a person by providing expectations on how to behave.

These expectations often come from a societal context and can take the form of principles.

Examples of these principles include:

  • concern for the well-being of others
  • respect for others
  • trustworthiness and honesty
  • compliance with the law
  • benevolence (the desire to do good to others)
  • preventing harm to others.