Which branch of philosophy studies moral behavior and how humans should act toward each other, focusing on society's quality and long-term survival?

• A. Ethics
• B. Morals
• C. Values
• D. Code of Ethics

Answer: (A)

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that studies moral behavior and how people ought to act toward one another, focusing on what makes a society good and its long-term survival. It asks normative questions about right and wrong, duties, and the principles that govern conduct. In nursing, ethical thinking helps professionals decide how to treat patients, balance autonomy with beneficence, protect confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and address justice in resource distribution. Morals refer to personal or cultural beliefs about right and wrong, which can vary between individuals and communities. Values are the principles that guide behavior, such as honesty or compassion, but they are not organized as a systematic study of conduct. A code of ethics is a professional’s formal document outlining expected behaviors and responsibilities; it applies ethical principles to practice but is not the branch of study itself.