American Ethics 1

The Definition of Ethics in America

By: Encaterina Adeva

World Ethics Journalist

Author Note

Special thanks to my mother who always supported me. Even when things get heated she never

doubted that God would keep me safe. Most importantly, thanks to God who has put these issues

on my heart and given me the opportunities to share these articles with the world.
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Abstract

Ever wonder who decides what is right and what is wrong? After this, you will be able to decide

for yourself. Nature and Nurture can affect our choices. Our government structure and our

countrys ideals can influence our morals. The Bible played a vital part in Americas foundation

thus is still important to us as we put together our own ethical code.

Keywords: Ethics, Morals, Nature vs Nurture

American Ethics

The Definition of Ethics in America

First, I would like to point out that this paper is opinion based with historical references.

My ethical views will differ from yours. I hope that by reading this article, you will open your

mind and build your own code of ethics to live by.

Defined

Merriam Webster Dictionary has multiple definitions for the word: ethics. The first

definition says that ethics are, the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral

duty and obligation. The second definition gives us a little more to grasp saying that ethics are

a set of moral principles, a theory or system of moral values, the principles of conduct

governing an individual or a group, a guiding philosophy, and a consciousness of moral

importance. For example, when I choose not to buy certain coffee from South America because

I know it is produced by slave labor, that is my ethical code. This code is what I follow.

My question to you: who decides what your morals are? Do your parents? Your church?

Your school? Does the environment that you grew in define your morals? Or, do you get to

choose your code of ethics?

Nature Vs Nurture

Weve all heard the debate of nature verses nurture. What influences us most? Is it our

genetics? How about the environment and interactions we have? If you grew up with a racist

family, are you more likely to become racist yourself?

To help you understand and make your own decision, I will explain each. First lets say

that we are all born with our ethical code. It is engrained in our DNA and we know right from

wrong. The way we make bad decisions is by smothering our empathy or conscience.
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Could your history influence how empathic you are? In America, we try to raise children

to respect women while other countries raise their children to believe women are worthless. Yet

some grow up and ignore the morals their environment taught them. Then begs the question, do

bad people know that they are bad? Do they know that their actions are morally wrong? In one

way or another, I believe that they know. Whether it is nature, nurture, or both, that is your

decision.

According to the Constitution.

Who gets to choose right from wrong in America? On March 4, 1789, America

established their own set of ethical codes called the Constitution. In this constitution, we created

amendments. The amendments are the beginning of our morals. They are in fact a simple

skeleton for you to choose what your ethics will be.

I believe that we all have free will to choose our own ethical code. In America, our

environment allows us freedoms other countries dont offer. Our constitution is what started

America. We wanted freedom. Freedom of expression, religion, press, freedom from slavery,

and more.

With that in mind we can say that in America, our ethical code should start by following

these amendments. If the constitution does not discriminate against race or sex, neither should

the American people. We should not discriminate against someone over their political or

religious views. In fact, did you know that our country was founded for God?
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According to the Bible.

The reason the pilgrims sailed across the ocean was to find freedom from religious

persecution. They wanted to worship God in peace. In my opinion, the Bible is just as important

in America as the amendments. The ten commandments are another great example of the

foundation for what is right and wrong. In fact, the whole Bible can be the key to creating your

ethical code.

Ultimate Ethics

Im going to tell you the secret to being the ultimate humanitarian and having the perfect

ethical code. The secret is there is no secret. You must decide what you believe in.

Psychologists can claim that either nature or nurture forces you into a specific way of living.

Ultimately, you are free to choose right and wrong. What is right to you may be wrong to

someone else.

The moral decisions others make should be respected as their own opinion. I believe that

in America we need to base our ethics on two things: the constitution and the Bible. If our

foundation for our morals starts here, then our country will be on the road to recovery. It is our

treatment towards others, animals, and our environment that defines our country. This treatment

is also what defines the ethics in America.

American Ethics

References

Definition of ethic by Merriam Webster. Retrieved 5 17, 2017, from Merriam Webster:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethic

Weissbourd, R. (2009, November 09). Moral Adults: Moral Children. Retrieved May 19, 2017,

from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-parents-we-mean-be/200911/moral-

adults-moral-children

Narvaez, D. (2017, January 22). Is Humanity's "Moral Sense" Inherited or Nurtured? Retrieved

May 19, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-

landscapes/201701/is-humanitys-moral-sense-inherited-or-nurtured

Staff, P. (1994, May 01). Nature vs Nurture: Neck and Neck. Retrieved May 19, 2017, from

https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199405/nature-vs-nurture-neck-and-neck

The Constitution of the United States of America. Retrieved May 19, 2017, from

https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/the-amendments#

The Holy Bible: containing the Old and New Testaments; translated out of the original tongues

and with the former translations diligently compared and revised. (1986). New York:

American Bible Society.