Question

Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence
a) Discuss how they achieve this objective.
b) Giving examples show how the two differ in their approaches.

Answer 1

A harmonious relation between law and ethics is good for wellbeing and development of Individual as well as society. They control the human conduct and make it more socially acceptable.

They achieve their objectives through:

1. They both set standards for right and wrong for individuals as well as society.
2. Laws have legal backing. Breaking of law provides punishment. So, It controls the human behaviour for more acceptable and civilized behaviour
3. Similarly, Ethics have many controlling options like boycott from society to control
4. human behaviour.
5. Both law and ethics promote the wellbeing and development of society. There are laws to control the purchase and sale of intoxicating Substance.There are laws to protect and empowerment of women.
6. Ethics and law also award the socially acceptable behaviour through social recognition and social respect.

(b): Difference in approach of Ethics and Law:

1. Laws are rules developed by governments in order to provide balance in society and protection to its citizens. Ethics are standards developed by society or organisations to judge what is right and what is wrong. Like sitting on metro seats reserved for women is both unethical as well as illegal. As for example
2. Ethics are enforced through people’s awareness of what is right and wrong. Laws are enforced by governments to its people.
3. Ethics does not carry any direct and codified punishment to anyone who violates it. However, the law will punish anyone who happens to violate it.
4. Ethics are subjective, whereas laws are relatively objective.
5. Laws indicate what people must do while ethics indicate what they should do. Thus ethics brings permanent or long lasting change in us. It targets the attitude and emotional intelligence of people. Laws on the other hand try to ensure external behaviour without necessarily conditioning the internal values.