text: what are some societal purposes for ethics?   purpose of ethics in society when we have a question like this, we should make sure we understand what we mean by ethics. webster's dictionary states:  " 1.a. a set of principles of right conduct.  b. a theory or a system of moral values.   2. ethics. (used with a sing. verb). the study of the general nature of morals and of the specific moral choices to be made by a person; moral philosophy.   3. ethics. (used with a sing. or pl. verb). the rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession."  we have "right conduct" and "moral values" as key words, which of course can differ from society to society.  e.g., in the us it is custom to keep the left hand under the table while eating with the right hand. this makes more room for the neighbor at a crowded table. in germany, it is custom to keep both hands on the table while eating (i wonder if they wanted to hinder "fooling around under the table.") there are many more differences in ethics in different societies. what ethics are valued, is an agreement, born out of tradition and practicality.  the principles of ethics, which everyone is expected to follow, promises good results, e.g. when followed in the western society, e.g.: * one can trust the others (they don't lie or betray); * one can go out at night without fearing for one's property or life; * one can trust one's neighbors to take care of one's house in one's absence, and can trust one's spouse to be good when at work; * one can rely on promises or contracts and not be disappointed; * one can trust one's elected politicians and judges not to be prejudiced or bribed; * one can trust that no toxins are placed into products and that the air, the soil and the water are kept clean. * one can trust that no being has to fear for its life.  ideally, if everyone would follow the given set of ethics, it would be an easy and relaxing life and many services would not be needed, like id theft insurance, police or security guards, security lock services or id cards.  in the west, ethics are also given by the 10 commandments. the world would be a different place, if everybody would follow these: no stealing, no lying, no jealousy, no fighting over religion.   however, we, the humans, are not there yet, to follow the ethics we set before ourselves. nevertheless, they help to keep society safer and make life easier.  in an ideal society there would be no law regulations, for everyone would behave as expected. when something in society is talked about a lot, there is a problem. e.g. if people would not use their personal toothbrushes, there would be frequent reports in the papers about the importance of a personal toothbrush. if most use their own toothbrush, there would be no or little talk about it.  furthermore, if we would talk and print more about the good events along our ethical lines, we would help create the good, for thought is a creative power. fear also creates - that what is feared. therefore, it is really doing harm when one makes others fearful. prevention is different from making fearful, prevention gives constructive and harmless solutions.  there could be a future society with ethics allowing only positive thoughts! what a world this would be: no stealing, harming, killing, betraying, slandering, bribing, secret actions, bombs, wars or disease?  a world of honored ethics is not impossible, it seems. it's the decision we, every person, can make, rewarding the good. cordially, india.magica