An Approach to Ethics Persons in Communities

The origin of the word ethics lies in the Greek ethikos referring to ethos, that is, distinctive character, spirit or attitude. Eor more than 2500 years, ffie documented quest of ethics has involved philosophical activities such as careful conceptual analysis and reflection. There now is a huge ethical literature. However, ethics is not an apparently arcane theoretical aspect of philosophy but rather a vitally practical activity, for ethical decisions, how we choose to live and act, may have significant consequences for human wellbeing. 

At the core of ethics lies an awareness of the uniqueness and value of each person. This is reflected in our sense of compassion and responsibility for those with whom we come into contact, especially those in need. The leading twentieth century philosopher Emmanuel Levinas has described ethics as arising out of the prioritisation of the demands that an other can make on us, which he designates by the notion of the face. He describes an ethical act as being defined by aresponse to the being who in a 

4 Engineering and Technology Contrasts and Some Illustrative Ethical Aspects 

This is a book about engineering ethics rather than the ethics of technology. The nature of engineering will be examined in more detail in Chap. 2. However, there is an important distinction between engineering and technology, and hence the work of engineers and technologists, that is often overlooked and which requires 

Bernard Williams was a leading twentieth century UK philosopher. 

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