'What is considered ethical behaviour in one society might be considered unethical in another. For example, euthanasia (mercy killing) is permitted in some countries but it is considered strictly unethical in most of the

Yes, the statement mentioned in the question, 'What is considered ethical behaviour in one society might be considered unethical in another', is correct. The example quoted about the practice prevailing in some of the countries of euthanasia, (mercy killing) is permitted or say ethical, while in other countries it is considered strictly as unethical. In light of the above, the common features of ethics may be listed as follows: Ethics is a conception of right or wrong conduct. Ethics tells us when our behaviour is moral and when it is immoral. It deals with the fundamental human relationship, how we think and behave towards others and how we want them to think and behave towards us. Ethics relates to the formalised principles derived from social values. It deals with the moral choices that we make in the course of performing our duties with regard to other members of society. Hence, it is relevant in the context of a society only. Ethical principles are universal in nature. They prescribe obligations and virtues for everybody in a society. They are important not only in business and politics but in every human endeavour. There exist no sharp boundaries between ethical and non-ethical. Therefore, people often face ethical dilemmas wherein a clear cut choice becomes very difficult. The concepts of equity and justice are implicit in ethics. Fair and equitable treatment to all is its primary aim. Ethics and legality of action do not necessarily coincide. What a society interprets as ethical or unethical ends up expressed in laws. The legality of actions and decisions does not necessarily make them ethical. For example, not helping an injured person in a road accident may be unethical but not illegal.