Running Head: OPINION PAPER – ETHICS 1

Opinion Paper – Ethics

Teresa J. Rothaar

Wilmington University

OPINION PAPER – ETHICS

Opinion Paper – Ethics

Definition of Ethical

I define “ethics” as one’s personal code of conduct, or a societal code of conduct, that is

shaped by a personal belief system, culture, and possibly religion. By its very nature, what is

considered “ethical” is often highly subjective. While the majority of people would consider

murder unethical, most people would view a killing committed in self-defense as being ethical.

While some people consider gambling ethical, others see it as unethical.

Definition of Legal

Unlike ethics, legality deals with governmental laws and is not subjective. In Colorado

and Washington, marijuana is legal for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Likewise, in

other states, like California, medical marijuana is legal, but recreational marijuana is illegal.

Meanwhile, the federal government classifies the substance as illegal for all purposes. Whether

the laws for and against marijuana are good or bad is not at question here; we are talking about

objective laws, not subjective opinions of them.

Legal…But Not Ethical

It is perfectly legal to adopt (or purchase) a companion animal, such as a dog, cat, or pet

bird, and then abandon the animal at a shelter six months later simply because it became an

inconvenience. However, to me, such behavior is completely unethical. I have had many pets in

my lifetime, and when I adopt a pet, I commit to take care of it over the course of its natural life,

not just until the animal becomes inconvenient to me. Only under catastrophic circumstances do

I consider it ethical to surrender a companion animal, such as the death of the owner, or the

owner being evicted from their own home and themselves becoming homeless.

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