1. The philosophical study of moral values and rules
   "ethics explores questions of right and wrong";
   - moral philosophy
    
2. Motivation based on ideas of right and wrong
   "His strong ethics prevented him from accepting the bribe";
   - ethical motive, morals, morality

1. The principles of right and wrong that are accepted by an individual or a social group
   "the Puritan ethic";
   - moral principle, value-system, value orientation
    
2. A system of principles governing morality and acceptable conduct
   "The company's ethic prohibited employees from accepting gifts from clients";
   - ethical code

Type of: motivation, motive, philosophy, principle, system, system of rules

Encyclopedia: Ethics, institutions, and the right to philosophy