Question

Do we need ethics if we have laws? Why or why not?

Examine the issues with changing our own views of ethics based on the situation we are in?

Can we "legislate" ethics? If so, how do you see this happening? If not, what are the obstacles to legislating ethics?

How does Aristotle's "virtue ethics" mirror your ethical view, or how is it different? Make sure to explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

Yes, ofcourse we need ethics even if we are having laws. Laws are imposed on us so that society can reamin in harmony. Laws, rules and regulations are must for maintaining harmony in society. Laws beccome fruitful if they are followed sincerely.

This sincerity comes from inner ethics. Ethics inspires us to follow rules and regulations. They lead us to the path of morality. It is important to understand our duties. If we understand our social duties then we will follow all laws and a perfect synchronisation will take place in society.

Throwing garbage on road is against the law. Police or other governmental officials can not be present everywhere. It our duty to place the garbage in dustbins. Our ethics and morality will motivate us to keep our surroundings neat and clean. This morality and ethics will cause a lawful action.

Hence both ethics and laws are important for smooth running of society. Ethics help in strong implementation of laws which is really an important aspect of human life.

In my views it is not right to legislate ethics. Ethics are related to morality. Ethics and morality are more associated with religious belief. There are so many religions. Legislating one's belief can cause trouble for other. It may produce friction among people which may create anarchy in society. This randomness is not good from the point of social developement.

Virtue in Greek menas "excellance". Aristotle says that moral virtue exists somewhere between extream points of excessness and deficiencies. It can be considered as mean value. Moral Virtue motivates us to choose right path. Moral virtue is learnt by self practising.

It can not be taught be providing instructions. Moral virtue is result of good habbits. It can not be imposed through reasoning and instructions. It depends on self awareness. We know that breaking someone's heart is not a good thing. It is against the morality. If someone provide us instructions then we can memorise it but we can not implement in real life situations.

Life is very dynamic and it provides opportunities to learn through self exposure. If we hurt someone then his/her reactions will be unpredictible. These uncertain possibilities can be experianced through self exposure only. These can not be taught by someone. These can only be experianced.