Absolutes, such an interesting word that seems to be rolled around quite a bit when discussing ethics

EVERYTHING in our lives is based upon absolutes EVERY DAY, We deal with them on a personal level, Money for the food we eat, we all need shelter, we all need to feel loved, but the most important one we ALL need to Feel Safe whether it be in personal or in business life. When we hurt someone we cause pain, with every action there is a reaction, and for every pro there is a con – Even when some may argue against absolute truths, those very arguments are also absolute, thus the word absolute becomes non absolute.

- If there were no absolutes to provide a measurement for society, then society itself would become the absolute Without absolutes we weaken societies gauge and idea for tolerance

We All know what is right from wrong and we are ALL born with this moral compass that allow us to determine the difference. We are taught much of these from an early age. A good classifier to determine ethics is Will my actions cause harm, can a repercussion come from this behaviour, will regret my decision tomorrow?. Ethics are determined by honesty, self-esteem, empathy, compassion, and a respect of individual rights – it is making a appropriate choice after having thought over the possible consequences
To sum it up -Any chosen action that purposely benefits the human organism or society is morally good and right. Any chosen action that purposely harms the human organism or society is morally bad and wrong. Thus Morality is not an Absolute.
The is only grey line we as humans create Regarding ethics are the excuses and reasons we make to allow ourselves to feel more comfortable for any harm we do to another.
This is proven in Psych 101 and Medical 101 - a bad conscience, and guilt despite the emotions at the time of the action will eventually lead to heart attacks, depression, anxiety, stress, nervousness, ulcers, and even cancer, anger, lower self esteem, frustration and resentment.

If there are no absolutes in life, and if ethics and values are truly personal, then why do we teach our kids not to lie, steal or cheat? why do we continue to teach them the morals and values that were taught to us by our parents. Why do we even teach them the definition of what is appropriate from unsuitable? (wanted to use right or wrong here)

Why DO we all understand the meaning of the words steal, lie, cheat, dishonor, obey, rules, regulation? and for that matter why do we even try to live by respecting many of them in our day to day lives?
Why do we have police?
Why are the Jails full?
Why are there laws?
Why do we have a court system?
Why are we angry with Terrorism (they believe in their views)
Why were we angry at Enron or TYCO to name a few?
Why are there so many lawsuits in courts?

Are these all only based upon respect of laws and fear of repercussion or because of the respect of the values we were taught, or is it to preserve our own personal character and self esteem, or even a combination of them all?

When one suggests that what is morally right is determined by the culture or environment to which one belongs or should be considered personal, well Based upon those views then rape, murder, racism, abuse, victimization, assault and battery should also be automatically acceptable and embraced - NO? to say that they are illegal, would that not be an absolute?

Remember Beliefs affect behavior. That is why in so many ways a belief system is so important and even absolutes are essential

Why do we get angry if our house was broken in and they stole what was "yours", what you worked so hard to maintain, and keep as your own. Why do we even need a right to privacy?
Should we not have more empathy then at the poor guy who could not put food on his kids table and decided to rob you.. should we not be more understanding to his rationalization that it is easier to rob and steal and take what is Yours, than find another way, a better way... And then why don’t more people rob or steal?

Look, what we are saying is that there is always a more positive way to do business or to be successful. There is no need to lower your standards as there are productive and creative but healthier and less harmful ways to do your task

"we cannot gauge the moral level of the human race unless there is a perfect standard outside it by which it can be measured."

"If each person is a law alone, then civilization is already dead and those who remain are but its pallbearers. This observation also applies to unions, companies, and other organizations within the larger society that occasionally claim the absolute right to act in the self-interest of their owners or members without any regard for the rest of society. That is, they define good to be what advances their collective power or position, even at the expense of all others."

Rick Sutcliffe The Fourth Civilization— Technology Society and Ethics