The Uses of Ethics

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Ethics is primarily a part of the quest for truth and the motive for studying it is the desire for knowledge. It is more akin to philosophical subjects that the natural sciences where the practical applications are many and attractive. We want to know the truth about things and ethics at finding out the truth about something that is both interesting and important – the rightness and wrongness of human conduct. There is no guarantee that the man who understands by means of ethical study the difference between right and wrong will necessarily follow the right.

It is said that the example of good men’s lives and the training of practical experience are likely to be more effective influences in producing good conduct. At the same time, there is no reason of doubt that if other influences are favorable the knowledge of ethics will give some help in the pursuit of goodness.

The student of ethics is more likely to be right in his application of moral rules to a particular case than the man who has an equal knowledge of the circumstances of the case but no knowledge of ethics. He is likely, among other things, to be less biased and more comprehensive in his outlook. And the chief value of ethics is not in the guidance it gives in particular cases, but in the development of width outlook and seriousness of purpose in dealing with moral matters generally.

These are qualities of outstanding and permanent value in the good man, and there is every reason to think that the student of ethics has more chance to attain them than the ordinary man.