Defining Ethics Beyond Altruism

Ethics is distinguished from mere altruistic behavior by the presence of concepts that regulate actions and encourage individuals to act according to notions of right and wrong. While animals may show altruism, the lack of ethical thinking—such as understanding the value of their actions or feeling blameworthy—means their behavior does not constitute ethics. Human beings engage in ethical considerations only when they leverage these concepts, allowing them to hold themselves and others accountable. Ethical behavior arises when individuals contemplate not only the actions they take but also the underlying significance of those actions within a social context.