An action is often deemed unethical if it...

An action is often deemed unethical if it violates the rights of another person. This principle is rooted in the foundation of ethics, which prioritizes the respect for individual rights and dignity. When an action impinges upon someone else’s rights, it disregards their autonomy and can lead to harm or injustice. Ethical frameworks, such as Kantian ethics, emphasize the importance of respecting individuals as ends in themselves, meaning their rights and well-being should be honored and protected.

In contrast, actions that can easily be justified might not truly be ethical, as the ease of justification can sometimes obscure the potential harm or rights violations involved. Aligning with personal values does not necessarily equate to ethical behavior if those values conflict with the rights of others. Finally, decisions based on popular opinion can be dangerous as societal norms can sometimes perpetuate unethical practices, highlighting why individual rights must take precedence in ethical considerations.