Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is formally defined as the branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior. It is the critical study of moral principles that govern a person's conduct or the conducting of an activity. While logic deals with the rules of valid reasoning (Option A), epistemology deals with the nature of knowledge (Option C), and metaphysics deals with the fundamental nature of existence (Option D), ethics focuses squarely on human values and actions. In professional practice, studying ethics means examining the moral obligations that technologists have toward the public, their employers, and their peers. It provides the framework for determining what actions are "right" (such as holding public safety paramount, maintaining confidentiality, and acting with integrity) and what actions are "wrong" (such as accepting bribes, practicing outside one's scope, or falsifying data).