Explanation of ethics and relation to how we see it

Introduction
Ethics is an important aspect or part of human beings that defines character, personality, principles and what one believes is right or wrong. It determines the level of social interaction and productivity of individuals in diverse settings. Spinoza (1) defines ethics as the branch of philosophy that defines individual’s moral aspect. It involves systematic defending and recommendation of either right or wrong concepts of conduct. That is, it helps in determining a person’s stand or view on an issue regarding the things he deems are right or wrong. This paper gives a comprehensive description of ethics with a focus on how we see it or feel about it.
Explanation of ethics and relation to how we see it
as noted ethics is a branch of philosophy that investigates pertinent questions that are integral in shaping individuals views on the diverse phenomenon. The questions border on morality, virtues, social values and code of conduct that human beings are expected to embrace. Some of the questions include 1. What is the best way of life that people should embrace? 2. How can one know the right or wrong things? 3. What are the right or wrong actions and what circumstances are they associated with?. The questions are pertinent as they help individuals to understand probable right things, wrong things including how to achieve them under the prevailing social context. The questions also help in affirming what one believes in given that ethics revolves around certain beliefs, values, and principles.

It also revolves around what people deem to be right or wrong depending on the social upbringing and environment of growth.
Indeed, ethics is a standard way of life and a code of practice that influence success or failure of individuals and institutions. It remains one of the determinants of good performance in organizations. An individual without strong ethical values is as good as dead since there is nothing he stands for in life. According to Spinoza (2), one has to defend a position whether right or wrong as that is what he is judged upon. In organizations, strong ethics is set to influence how people relate, see things, activities are discharged, best practices are adopted, and quality production processes are undertaken. Good ethics is emphasized in organizations to inspire exemplary performance and to shape positive thoughts on the stakeholders mind. The idea is to enable them see things positively and defend noble undertakings only. For example, corruption, lateness to work, irresponsible governance, negligence, theft or pilferage of funds is regarded as negative ethical practices. Such practices are prohibited by most organizations with the view of restoring sanity, facilitate positive feeling about ethics and ensure that stakeholders are offered the best services (Spinoza 12). Some organizations also practice unethical activities such as levying of exorbitant charges on products to make more profit. They justify their actions and defend them with passion. Therefore, there are organizations and individuals who practice good ethical values, while others engage in bad ethical practices, but they are trained to defend the practices whether good or bad.
In this regard, how individuals or organizations see ethics or feel about it is dependent on diverse factors. The first factor is the environment where one hails, or an organization operates. For instance, if the environment one operates is characterized by good practices, then he will only know good things, see things positively and defend right things. However, when the environment supports corruption and other malpractices, then the individual is bound to defend such activities regardless of how wrong they are knowingly or unknowingly.
Another factor is the normative values- Most individuals tend to see or feel about ethics and ethical standards based on the developed practical means of determining the moral cause of actions. The inculcated practical way of determining morality influences people’s behavior, perception on diverse issues including what they think is right or wrong (Spinoza 42). For instance, some individuals defend the assertion that corruption cannot end. Their position is informed by the unending cases of corruption globally that occurs in real life context while others who have witnessed tremendous progress in the fight against corruption defend and hold that it can end. Additionally, many people feel that decent ethical values are the key to good performance and increased individual and institutional productivity. A good strength of character that results into respect to others, noble behaviors, timely delivery of services and adherence to quality standards of production enables individuals and organizations to command huge following thereby increase performance.
Therefore, individuals view or see ethics differently. Some view it based on what suits them, while others base their views or feelings on beliefs, traditions, including what they have always known.
Works Cited
Spinoza, Benedictus . Ethics. Ware: Wordsworth Editions, 2001. Print.