What is an Example of not Legal but not ethical behavior?

Answer 1

Morals and ethics are two sides of the same coin. Morals are 'rules' (if you will) that individuals are personally bound by through our experiences, knowledge, upbringing, environment, etc. Ethics on the other hand are 'rules' that we subscribe to based on any particular social group with which we associate ourselves. For the better part of the population, morals and ethics are in line with each other. Simply put, most people choose to associate themselves in groups with which they can 'see themselves' in.

A dilemma arises when a groups 'morals' (i.e. ethics) are not in line with an individuals morals. Whether you choose to analyze such a dilemma from a psychiatric, physiological or sociological stance is a matter of personal preference. However, any act, belief, behavior, thought, etc. can be moral but unethical. That is, if you are personally bound to believing that a particular act is moral, it does not necessarily have to be ethical. Take any 'hot political topic', such as war, abortion or human rights, or if you prefer more personal acts/behaviors such a monogamy or suicide.

Essentially, any act that an individual chooses to pursue, but is frowned on by the social group serves as an example . The only pre-requisite is that the individual who performs the act believes it to be moral. Extreme examples; Hitler and Napoleon. They each (most likely) believed their respective actions where morally justified, but the world marginalized them as unethical leaders. I never met them, so I wouldn't know... then again, it's just an example.

Answer 2

Feeding a hungry prisoner-of-war who has been sentenced to minimum rations. Feeding an alligator in Florida. An IRS agent purposely overlooking a costly tax error for a needy family. A psychologist or priest who breaks confidentiality in order to serve the cause of justice. Practicing one's religion in a place where it is illegal.

Answer 3

That depends on what a certain group considers unethical behavior. Some examples of illegal and unethical behaviors are murder, prostitution, embezzlement, identity theft, and selling illegal drugs.