Question

Can you still act ethically, but do what makes you happy as an individual?

Answer 1

Yes, as long as it doesn't violate the social norms and cause any trouble to others. Ethics is following the norms of the society without hurting anyone during the process. An act will be considered ethical as long as it increases benefits to many and reduce harm, according to Utilitarian ethics. On the other hand deontological ethics suggests that an action will be considered ethical if it fulfills one's duty without looking at the consequences. The first one suggests one should look to increase the benefit to many and not just one and the duty ethics suggests that one should act in a way to fulfill one's duty in the society thus it also stresses on the importance of others. One can be ethical and happy if they do more for others and follow the norms of the society and not when one is very selfish.