I have to write a paper on my ethical and moral values. I don't know where to begin! I know I should look at my parents and upbringing but I feel I was ingrained and I don't know how to explain that!

any tips are great.

Thank you guys

First, brainstorm your ethical and moral values. Jot down everything you can think of about them. Essentially you'll have a list.

Ingrained values come from your parents plus other family members, religious affiliation (if any), and peers.

You might give examples of how you've applied your values in life.

I suggest you make an outline before you start writing the body of your paper. When you've finished the body, then write your introduction and conclusion.

You believe your parents' values were ingrained in you. That's a good place to start.

So what are your parents' values? What do they consider important in life?

Once you have clarified those ideas, then look to yourself. Do you value all the same things as your parents do? Do you value additional ideas or things or behavior?

http://www.answers.com/topic/value-ethics

http://www.answers.com/topic/moral-values

Thank you, both of you!

You're welcome.

Writing a paper on your ethical and moral values can seem challenging, but with a structured approach, you can articulate your thoughts effectively. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Reflect on personal experiences: Consider specific moments or events from your life where you were faced with ethical or moral dilemmas. Think about how these experiences have shaped your values and influenced your decision-making process.

2. Examine your upbringing: As you mentioned, your parents and upbringing have likely had a significant impact on your values. Reflect on the values your parents or caregivers instilled in you and how they were communicated. Consider their influence on your upbringing, discipline, and moral guidance.

3. Identify influential figures: Think beyond your parents and consider other influential figures in your life, such as relatives, teachers, mentors, or role models. Examine their values and the impact they had on your own ethical and moral development.

4. Analyze cultural and societal influences: Societal norms, culture, religion, and social environment can also play a role in shaping one's values. Reflect on how these external factors have influenced your own understanding of what is ethical and moral.

5. Consider your personal beliefs and convictions: Examine your personal beliefs, philosophies, and principles. Reflect on what you consider to be right or wrong and why. Consider any religious or philosophical perspectives that may inform your values.

6. Explore conflicting viewpoints: It can be valuable to explore differing perspectives on ethical and moral issues. Engaging with different opinions allows you to critically analyze your own values and consider alternative viewpoints.

7. Focus on specific values or principles: Rather than trying to encompass all your values in one paper, narrow down your focus. Choose a few core ethical or moral values that are vital to you and delve deeper into explaining why they are meaningful and how they shape your actions.

8. Organize your thoughts: Create an outline for your paper, dividing it into sections such as introduction, personal experiences, influential figures, cultural/societal influences, personal beliefs, conflicting viewpoints, and conclusion. This will help structure your thoughts and ensure you cover all relevant aspects.

9. Provide examples and anecdotes: To make your paper more engaging and compelling, include real-life examples or personal anecdotes to illustrate your points. This adds depth and authenticity to your writing.

10. Revise and proofread: After completing your paper, remember to revise and proofread it. Check for clarity, coherence, grammar, and spelling errors. Consider seeking feedback from a trusted friend, family member, or instructor for additional perspectives or suggestions.

Remember, everyone's journey to develop their ethical and moral values is unique. By reflecting on your experiences, examining various influences, and analyzing your beliefs, you can create a well-rounded paper that effectively communicates your ethical and moral values.