Final answer:
The notion that ethics are the same as laws is false. Ethics pertain to moral principles which may influence, but are distinct from, legal regulations. Not all ethical actions are legally mandated, and not all legal actions are considered ethical across different cultures or societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that ethics are laws protecting people and if it is unethical it is illegal is false. Ethics involve standards of conduct and moral judgments that can be independent of the law. While ethics inform the law, they are not synonymous with legal regulations. Ethical principles are broader and can vary across cultures and societies, whereas laws are specific rules enacted and enforced by a legal authority. There are ethical actions that may not be required by law, and there are legal actions that people may consider unethical. For example, personal ethics might dictate that one should always tell the truth, but there are no laws mandating honesty in every personal interaction. Conversely, something like jaywalking might be illegal but not generally considered unethical.
Morality is a social phenomenon and deals with how humans ought to behave towards each other. While societies have laws that enforce certain behaviors, not all moral behaviors are encoded in law. Factors such as traditions, customs, and religious beliefs can influence both ethical and moral standards, leading to the concept of Normative Ethical Relativism, where what is considered right or wrong can differ based on cultural or personal perspectives.
It is essential to note that while the government creates laws to secure rights, liberties, and establish public order, ethics concerns itself with principles of good and right behavior, which may not necessarily be codified in legal statutes. Therefore, understanding the distinction between legality and morality is crucial in the field of ethics.