Final answer:
Yes, it is possible to obey the law and still act unethically. The law comprises formal rules within a society, whereas ethics are based on moral principles. An action can be legal but may still be regarded as unethical by societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is indeed possible to obey the law and still act unethically. Ethics involve a set of moral principles that govern an individual's behavior or the conducting of an activity. What is legal is based on written laws, which are formalized rules about what people can or cannot do within a society. However, law and ethics are not synonymous; the legality of an action doesn’t necessarily equate to its ethicality.
For example, a company may follow laws regarding labor, but still exploit its workers in ways that are considered unethical by societal standards, such as paying minimum wages when the company can afford to pay more, thus not reflecting the true cost of living. Moreover, a person could follow tax laws to the letter by taking advantage of loopholes, yet still engage in tax avoidance, which might be seen as unethical as it does not contribute fairly to societal welfare.
Ethical dilemmas often arise in professional environments when individuals face situations where the legal course of action may not align with their personal or professional ethical standards. It's an important distinction and a topic of discussion in the fields of law, business, and ethics. Compliance with the law is mandatory, but ethical behavior is often a matter of personal integrity and societal norms, which can go above and beyond legal requirements.