Ethics is a branch of Philosophy that explores the nature of morality, examining questions about what is right and wrong, good and bad, virtuous and evil. As a subject, it seeks to establish frameworks or principles that guide human behavior and decision-making in various aspects of life, from personal conduct to social systems and global policies. Ethics can be subdivided into several categories, including normative ethics, which prescribes standards for right conduct; meta-ethics, which investigates the meaning and nature of ethical terms; and applied ethics, which addresses specific moral issues in fields like medicine, business, and law.

The study of ethics has its roots in ancient philosophy, with seminal works by Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, and the Indian epics such as महाभारत - The Mahabharata, setting early precedents. The subject has evolved through the Medieval Age—incorporating Christian, Islamic, and Jewish ethical thought—into modern and contemporary times, featuring contributions from philosophers like Immanuel Kant, ‣, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Recent developments include the rise of feminist ethics, environmental ethics, and bioethics, which examine moral issues raised by technological and social advancements. The principles established by ethical theories are often used as a basis for legal systems, codes of conduct in professions, and individual moral reasoning.

The field of Ethics also intersects with other branches of Philosophy, including Epistemology, Ontology, and Political Philosophy, as well as disciplines like Psychology, ‣, and Theology. As a subject, Ethics continues to be deeply relevant, provoking inquiry into the moral implications of emerging issues like artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and global climate change. Its influence permeates various sectors of society, guiding individuals, organizations, and governments in making ethically sound choices, thereby maintaining its significance as a crucial area of philosophical study.