Ethical Values: what are they and how are they formed?

Ethics is fundamental in our lives and in the maintenance of the social life of our society.. Ethical values ​​constitute pillars for decision-making and actions, helping us to distinguish between right and wrong. In an increasingly complex and diverse world, it is difficult to propose a single and objective definition of ethical values, but understanding what they are is crucial to promoting coexistence and well-being collective.

It is important to know and understand the way in which ethical values ​​originate and form in our society and the ways in which we assume them throughout our development. Ethical values ​​are not only social impositions, we also develop them on our own and in function of our experiences and expectations, which govern us as members of our community and around.

Ethical values ​​play a very important role in society, since they promote ethical behavior, strengthen trust and social cooperation and contribute to preventing conflicts and promoting justice. However, its application can also present challenges or dilemmas, especially when faced with complex ethical situations or when there are conflicts of interest

. In this article we are going to understand what ethical values ​​are and their importance in our society, making us aware of the importance of generating reflections and actions that promote and give value to a more ethical and respectful coexistence with the the rest.

• We recommend you read: "The 13 types of ethics (explained and with examples)"

What are ethical values?

To get into the matter and facilitate understanding, we will begin by defining what ethical values ​​are. Ethical values ​​are fundamental principles of societies that guide people who they are part of them in their actions and decisions according to what is considered desirable and morally correct. These values ​​are typically based on fundamental principles of fairness, respect, honesty, and responsibility.

It is very important to establish the differences between ethical values ​​and moral values, since these terms are often used interchangeably. Ethical values ​​refer to broader and more universal principles that guide human behavior, while moral values ​​relate more to the specific norms and beliefs of a given culture, religion, or group social. Ethical values, such as equality, freedom, justice and integrity, are applicable in different contexts and are essential for the promotion of equality and justice in societies.

Some examples of ethical values ​​include honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion, solidarity, tolerance, fairness, and empathy. As we have commented, these values ​​influence us when making decisions that are ethically correct. Although some principles are promoted by most societies, the variability in the practical application of ethical values ​​must be taken into account; each person can interpret and internalize them in different ways.

How are ethical values ​​formed?

Ethical values ​​arise from the influence and cooperation between different factors, and have their origin in the interaction of different elements of our lives.. The ways in which ethical values ​​originate are relevant to understanding their relevance and importance and the way in which they can be shaped throughout our life experience.

One of the main influences in the formation of ethical values ​​is the cultural and social environment in which we grow up. The norms, traditions and beliefs of our society play a crucial role in our acquisition of the ethical values ​​that they transmit. For example, in societies that place more value on respect and solidarity, their individuals are more likely to internalize and adopt these values ​​in their behavior in a more natural way.

Education has a fundamental role in the formation of ethical values. It is through education, both formal (school) and non-formal (family), the way we learn about ethical principles, we reflect on their importance and develop skills to apply them in life daily. Schools, institutes and other academic institutions have the responsibility of promoting the formation of ethical values ​​in individuals from an early age.

In addition, the family environment and learning by observing what these environments consider ethical are also relevant influences in the formation of ethical values. The values ​​of our parents or closest relatives often have a lasting impact on our ethical view of the world. It is through daily interactions and shared experiences in society that we strengthen and shape our ethical attitudes and behaviors.

Types of ethical values

Ethical values ​​are manifested in different aspects of our lives and three different types have been described. However, it should be noted that these are interconnected and complement each other; there are mutual influences between them. In addition, it is essential to be aware of the ability to align these ethical values ​​in different aspects of their lives to promote ethical coherence.

1. individual ethical values

Individual ethical values ​​refer to the ethical principles or values ​​that each individual develops throughout his life.. These are the values ​​that guide our actions and decisions on a personal level. Some examples of them include honesty, integrity, authenticity, and gratitude. They are part of our own personal belief framework and can vary based on your individual experiences, beliefs and perspectives.

2. social ethical values

Social ethical values ​​are closely related to interaction and ethical behavior in the social context and society. These are the values ​​that foster an ethical and respectful coexistence for all, promoting collaboration among the members of a community. Examples of these are respect, tolerance, equality and solidarity. These values ​​are fundamental for the promotion of social justice, the inclusion of people who may belong to minorities and the collective social well-being.

3. professional ethical values

These values ​​have an exclusive application in the workplace and are changing depending on the professions they represent.. They are those values ​​that guide the ethical conduct of individuals in their work and in their interactions with colleagues, clients and the community in general. Examples of ethical values ​​include responsibility, honesty, fairness, and respect for confidentiality.

For example, ethical behavior for a psychologist would be the confidentiality of everything a patient comments in a therapeutic session. These values ​​are essential to maintain integrity and ethics in the world of work, in addition to to respect the rights of people who may be involved in our activity professional.

Challenges and dilemmas in the application of ethical values

As we have commented throughout the article, ethical values ​​are essential to guide and maintain our actions and decisions in directions that do not harm other people. However, its practical application can present dilemmas, especially in complex ethical situations. Throughout life, we will face situations that put our values ​​in conflict, here are some examples:

1. value conflicts

Value conflicts occur when, in ethical situations, we feel an ambivalence between our beliefs about what is appropriate and inappropriate.. For example, the value of truth can clash with the value of loyalty in situations in which we must decide whether to reveal information that could have an effect on someone close to us. In this type of situation, we must reflect on our values ​​and seek solutions that prioritize the least violation of these.

2. The relativity of ethical values

As we have commented at the beginning, ethical values ​​are highly dependent on each person and their ability to understand and internalize them. In addition, its interpretation and application also varies depending on the culture. This poses challenges when it comes to applying ethical values ​​in a context as globalized and multicultural as that of our Western society. For this reason, intercultural dialogue should be prioritized, seeking the maximum number of opinions, and developing a respectful understanding of the different ethical perspectives.

3. Balance between ethical values ​​and other interests

Ethical values ​​can not only conflict with each other, but also with other interests, such as economic, political or personal. For example, in professional settings, temptations can arise to act in unethical ways prioritizing the possibility of obtaining greater financial gain. In those situations, we recommend maintaining integrity and seeking ethical solutions to these issues.

Ethical values ​​underpin just societies

In conclusion, ethical values ​​are the foundations of a just and harmonious society. They are the fundamental principles that guide our actions and decisions, and help us discern between right and wrong. Throughout this article, we have explored in detail what ethical values ​​are, their importance and how they are applied in different areas of our lives.

However, we have also recognized that the application of ethical values ​​can present challenges and dilemmas. We are faced with complex ethical situations where ethical values ​​may conflict with each other or with other interests.. In such cases, it is crucial to reflect on our fundamental values ​​and seek solutions that seek the greatest good and the least violation of ethical principles.

Despite these challenges, it is essential to persevere in the practice of ethical values ​​in our daily lives. Ethical reflection, the search for balanced solutions and the promotion of intercultural and respectful dialogue are key to overcoming these challenges and making informed ethical decisions.