In ethics, what do principles of right and wrong behavior refer to?

The principles of right and wrong behavior in ethics are best captured by ethical standards. Ethical standards provide a framework that guides individuals and groups in determining what is considered acceptable conduct. They are established through collective reasoning and societal agreements about what constitutes moral behavior, reflecting values and norms that are often widely accepted within various cultures or communities.

In contrast, legal statutes pertain specifically to laws established by governing bodies and may not always align with ethical principles. Personal beliefs are subjective and can vary greatly between individuals, leading to diverse interpretations of what is right or wrong. Religious doctrines often provide moral guidance but are specific to particular faiths and may not encompass the broader spectrum of ethical standards applicable to all individuals regardless of their religious affiliations. Therefore, ethical standards effectively embody the objective principles that guide right and wrong in ethical discussions.