Ethics are based on the society itself, so are ethics nothing more than just a set of rules chosen by the "popular" people? Certain rules were obvious, I guess, but what about the ethical rules that just exist because someone said so (like not putting your elbows on the table, etc.)? Who's to decide these rules? I think they are mostly just followed out of respect (or supposed respect) or for the fear of punishment.

Democratic society decided what's ethically right.

Those in power establish and enforce the rules that preserve their self-interests (money, power, security, domination).

First your time thread, now this...

You're on a roll tonight, aren't you sis? But I'm not sure if this forum is the best platform to discuss topics like this. People don't come to ATRL to check on something like that.

Social contract? Who knows, morality is very complex. I don't think it's subjective, though.

The holders of the monopoly on legitimate violence, assuming one exists at the time.

Not putting your elbows on the table isn't really an ethics issue, though.

Ethical rules SHOULD be determined by the most intelligent in a society, but are unfortunately actually decided by the majority.

What hurts the least people in the least significant ways is the most ethical, I suppose, although it would be nice for there to be an option in all circumstances that hurts nobody.