Justifying the Existence of Ethics

I actually wanted to post this sooner, but my thesis took much of my time lately. Nevertheless, here is the second post.

Ethics is here for a reason. Some people suggest we should defy the establishment because it is old and outdated. We need to get rid of them, at least, that is what some say, and/or behave like. This probably includes the ethics that has come with that establishment.

But, like natural selection, ethics exists, thus it has (or had) a reason for existence. Ethics are in place to for the individual to serve the common good. This can be either directly or indirectly. Indirect ethics ensure that the individual behaves as such, that is will eventually lead to a positive result that affects the masses. For example, paying taxes can be considered ethical, and its effects can be seen indirectly. By paying taxes, we (at least in The Netherlands) indirectly take care of those who are in the state of poverty. This prevents them to resort to stealing for survival. It could be that by paying taxes, you prevent yourself from being stolen, or at least, an other citizen. The cause and effect relation of direct ethics are easier. For example, not fighting. By preventing a fight, you prevent yourself from being hurt.

So, before you even consider to let go of one of your ethics, for any reason you may have, think of it first how the lack of that ethic will affect your life and that of others (you care).