Determinants of Ethics

Published on 29 Oct 2025

Several factors contribute to the development of ethics in human actions, which can be both internal and external, and they interact to shape an ethical person.

• Personal values: Personal values including honesty, compassion and integrity, provide a foundation for ethical decision-making.

• Example: Not violating laws even when no one is watching is a result of integrity.

• Beliefs: These are often inculcated by cultural, religious, and familial backgrounds, and help an individual hold on to ethics.

• Example: Almost all religions teach individuals to refrain from taking away another’s life.

• Education and upbringing: Parents, teachers and mentors play a crucial role in instilling ethical principles, and providing guidance in ethical decision-making.

• Example: Parents who are honest even in difficult situations inspire their children to do the same.

• Peer group: The ethics of an individual is largely influenced by friends, classmates, and roommates, primarily due to the significant amount of time they spend together.

• Example: Peer groups inculcate the value of mutual cooperation in individuals through the habit of sharing things such as food, money, and more.

• Social and cultural influences: Social and cultural factors provide norms and expectations within a particular society or community.

• Example: Indian culture emphasizes the importance of marriage in establishing a family, which helps maintain commitment and long-term partnerships.

• Role models: Observing and interacting with individuals who exhibit ethical conduct can inspire and shape one’s own ethical choices.

• Example: Mahatma Gandhi was inspired by the teachings of Leo Tolstoy, and founded the Tolstoy Farm as a communal living experiment based on principles of self-sufficiency.

• Random events: Occasional events in a person’s life can change their ethical outlook.

• Example: Buddha’s life was transformed by the events that occurred during his first journey outside of his home.

• Organizational environment: Organizations serve codes of conduct, to provide clear ethical guidelines to shape ethical individuals.

• Example: Codes of conduct foster values such as professionalism and accountability.

Individuals have the capacity to continually develop and refine their ethical behaviour through conscious effort, self-reflection, and a commitment to ethical principles.

Tags:
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Keywords:
Determinants of Ethics ethics Factors That Can Cause Ethics in Human Actions ethical person Personal values honesty compassion integrity Belief system Peer group Role models Organizational environment code of conduct

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 4

Topics:
Ethics and Integrity