Ethics is a branch of studies associated with the concept of morality and the place of morality in a modern world. Morality is defined as “some codes of conduct put forward by a society or some other group, such as a religion, or accepted by an individual for her own behavior or ... a code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be put forward by all rational persons” (N.D., 2012, p.1). Morality is generally perceived as an important feature of society executiтп several important functions. It helps to unite society, ease one's sufferings, improve development, and produce just outcomes in controversial situations and any conflicts.
Need of morality is often underlined by pieces of literature and scientific ethic studies dedicated to this topic. For instance, John Pater concludes that evolution of the world is totally impossible without morality because it helps to distinguish between good and evil as well as achieve enlightenment in freedom in love. According to the author, it connects real materialistic and cruel life with spirituality and, thus, introduces important values gradually changing life for the better (Pater, 2012). Hence, it is logic that all political and social leaders are expected to be characterized by high moral values in order to guide nations to the brighter future. For example, during presidential campaigns, the candidates always attempt to create positive moral images of themselves in order to be elected.
Ethical studies and morality overlap with other important spheres and aspects of life including legislation, religions, aesthetics, and etiquette. A moral principle is defined as a strong statement proclaiming and advocating something classified as 'good'. For instance, being faithful in marriage is a classical moral principle because fidelity is labeled as 'good' when adultery is perceived as 'bad'. Moral principles are not obligatory for execution and depend upon opinions of every concrete personality. A legal rule is a part of legislation making people act in a special way. Legal rules are obligatory and their violation is punishable. A principle of etiquette is a guidance to act in a tactful polite way. Following rules of etiquette is not mandatory, however, failure to do so would produce a negative impression on other people that may seriously affect an individual's life. A religious principle is a statement proclaimed by a concrete religion that is advised to be followed by the believers. However, although the mention principles seem to me completely different by nature, they are often related. For example, people often tend to connect repulsive from the aesthetic point of view things with immorality. Ugly people are often believed to be immoral, weird, evil and negative just on the basis of their non- aesthetic appearance. However, beautiful people are mostly viewed as positive, nice and moral just from the first impression created by their good looks.
In fact, morality is a complicated notion distinguished by a number of dilemmas. For instance, if a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp is told to choose who of her two sons …