The word "ethics" has been used in various contexts – from legal mine fields to coffee table discussions. Given this versatility, what really is ethics all about? In a general context, ethics is about giving priority to an individual's needs and moral values in an attempt to curb and control potential societal abuses. In a health care situation, ethics would involve concern about the patient and protection of the patient from exploitation or abuse. The relevance of ethics lies in its ability to make cultures more tolerant of diverse views. Its utility is contained in its capacity to change the decision-making process and influence social policy.