Ethics is a set of beliefs about what is right and wrong behavior. Ethical behavior conforms to generally accepted social norms,many of which are almost universal.However although nearly everyone would agree that lying and cheating are unethical,what constitutes ethical behavior on many other issues is a matter of opinion.For example,most people would not steal an umbrella from someone's home,but a person who finds an umbrella in a theater might be tempted to keep it.A person's opinion of what represents ethical behavior is strongly influenced by a combination of family influences,life experiences,education,religious beliefs,personal values,and peer influences.
As children grow,they learn complicated tasks-walking,riding a bike,writing the alphabet-that they perform out of habit for the rest of their lives.People also develop habits that make it easier to choose between whaat society considers good or bad.
