Ethics

It is essential for every person to know what kind of behavior will help him and society prosper in the long run. An understanding of ethics is at the centre of determining such behavior.

Virtue Ethics
There are rules according to which we live. Some acts like stealing may be considered wrong because they harm people, but at times the same act may be considered right if it leads to an overall benefit for everyone. However, virtue ethics is a theory which focuses on the character of a person altogether. It doesnt focus on an act or rule because of its outcome. Rather, it asks that if someone is stealing, what kind of character does he have Thus, rather than just performing good acts, it is the developing of traits, like generosity, that is of central importance in virtue ethics because it will automatically lead to moral behavior and acts.

Virtue ethics has gone deep down to understand the importance of ones character and traits in determining ones morality. This understanding helps develop virtues that extend or develop goodness in a person and get rid of vices like greed and anger to avoid bad acts fully.

Moral consideration
Every being who can feel pain and suffering deserves moral consideration. Its wrong to say that if a person cant think rationally, or has some inability, then there is no moral obligation towards him. Its wrong to say that since animals cannot feel emotional pain, it is okay to experiment on them. Such attitude is unethical. Society has given much to human beings in its course of evolution and human beings have certain moral obligations towards society to protect it. Morality requires that every person fulfill this duty. This can best be done by developing a moral character that reinforces the importance or rendering this duty.

Environmental dilemma
A common environmental dilemma today is economic growth leading to environmental losses. The increased manufacturing and resulting pollution caused by factories established worldwide have already led to environmental problems like acid rain. In developing countries like India that are experiencing immense industrial growth, but unmatched environmental safety measures, the burden is falling on lower class that doesnt have resources to protect itself from unclean water and air. Is it ethical to inflict harm on people just because they cannot afford better facilities while the upper class still benefits from growth Justifying this situation makes one selfish and greedy, traits which are definitely not virtue and which cause this environmental dilemma. For long term survival, the problem of pollution must be overcome.

Many countries are still not aware of their moral obligations towards society. Its the duty of every human to keep society at least as good as he found it when he came into the world. Awareness programs can lead to better understanding of ones moral duties. At a broader level, projects like green universities and environmental friendly production methods must be developed. Since awareness has crept into many societies, it can be hoped that the role of environmental organizations will grow over time to increase ethical contributions toward society.

Conclusion
Once a person understands the importance of shaping his character by developing virtues, he will be able to contribute to society by understanding the scope of moral consideration and perform his duties towards other individuals, and towards society as a whole.