Final answer:
Ethics is a branch of philosophy dealing with moral principles. In business and technology, it encompasses the creation and observance of codes of ethics. These codes not only guide legal compliance but also reinforce behaviors aligned with societal values. The correct answer is option 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethics is the discipline within philosophy that deals with the moral principles governing the behavior of individuals and organizations. In the context of business ethics and technology, ethics encompasses the development and adherence to codes of conduct that dictate what is considered acceptable behavior.
Different areas within ethics, such as metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics, involve various levels of inquiry and analysis. Metaethics, for example, looks at the origins and meanings of ethical principles, while normative ethics is concerned with the criteria for determining what constitutes good or bad conduct. Applied ethics applies these ethical principles to particular fields, like business ethics which considers corporate responsibility, affirmative action, and ethical issues around emerging technology such as artificial intelligence.
Professional organizations often create codes of ethics, such as the IEEE-CS's Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, to ensure their members engage in behaviors that are beneficial to both society and the environment. These codes address not only the legal aspects of conduct but also additional ethical considerations that reflect societal values.