Ethics is derived from the Greek word "ethos" meaning character or customs. It is defined as the study of moral philosophy and standards of conduct. Ethics addresses questions about morality and what constitutes good and bad or right and wrong behavior. It seeks to determine the proper course of action for humans. There are nine main theories of ethics that approach questions of morality from different perspectives such as the consequences of actions, sets of values or principles, and moral development.

1. DERIVATION
• The term “ethics” is derived from the greek
word “ETHOS” which refers to character or
customs or accepted behaviour.

2. DEFINITION
• Ethics is:
• The study of standards of conduct and moral
judgment: moral philosophy.
• A treatise on this study.
• The study or code of morals of a particular
person, religion, group, profession, etc.

3. The first one refers to an academic concept.
Philosopher, law professors, socialists,
moralists and a whole host of other academics
are engaged in the study of what is considered
moral behaviour.

4. MEANING
• Ethics is a branch of philosophy that addresses
questions about morality that is, concept such
as good and bad, noble and ignoble, right and
wrong, justice and virtue.
• Ethics is the branch of study dealing with what
is the proper course of action for man. It
answer the question. “what do I do?” It is the
study of right and wrong in human endeavors.

5. • Ethical behaviour is generally considered
behaviour that is in line with the accepted
moral code and that is proper.
• Ethics means the rules or principles that
define right or wrong conduct. The term
Ethics, refer to a code of conduct that guides
an individual while dealing with others.

6. NINE THEORIES OF ETHICS
1) Situational ethics:
2) Consequential ethics:
3) Value ethics:
4) utilitarian ethics:
5) Moralistic ethics:
6) Ethical realism:
7) Ethical hierarchies:
8) Principle ethics:
9) Moral development