How would you best summarize the concept of psychological views on ethics?

The concept of psychological views on ethics posits that individual ethical behavior is deeply influenced by one's psychological state and awareness. This perspective considers factors such as personal beliefs, emotions, and cognitive processes in understanding how people determine what is right or wrong. Psychological influences can encompass the moral reasoning individuals use, the capacity for empathy, and the way one's thoughts and feelings align with ethical principles.

Understanding ethics through the lens of psychological views suggests that personal context and mental processes play a crucial role in shaping ethical decisions. For instance, an individual’s level of moral awareness and psychological development can significantly impact their ethical judgments and behaviors.

In contrast to this, motivations driven by personal gain or the effects of external perception or societal norms are components of ethical considerations but do not encapsulate the psychological perspective. While these elements certainly influence behavior, the focus of the psychological view is on individual cognition and emotional factors, making it a more nuanced take on ethics.