What are the strictest and loosest ethical codes?

There is a lot of information out there on the so-called ethics-law divide, or the observation that sometimes there are acts that would be unethical according to some applicable ethical code but would be legal under applicable civil or criminal law, or vice versa. This question is not about that divide.

Ethical codes tend to derive their foundation from basic concepts of honesty and equality, but different codified ethical codes can vary as to specifically “how” honest one must be, e.g. how serious something has to be before you have a positive duty to tell everyone else that it is true as opposed to simply being required not to actively deceive them that it isn’t true. E.g. real estate agents may have a formal ethical duty to disclose certain property defects that they know about regardless of whether the buyer asks.

My question is, what are the strictest and least-strict ethical codes in existence, or what are some good examples of ethical codes that, while not perhaps the strictest or loosest available, are notably strict or notably loose? For example, are there any professional codes of ethics that specify that it is ethical to kick or punch a customer at will as long as you don’t cause severe bodily damage, or that say that wearing a green tie on Tuesdays is considered unethical?

I’m primarily interested in non-Underworld codes of ethics. I know that many organized crime groups have somewhat formalized rules of conduct that permit violence.

For the jokesters here, yes, not having a code of ethics at all could be considered an ethical code, but please look at the intent of my question. I’m looking for professional organizations, guilds, schools, companies, etc. where they actually did bother to define some type of ethical code.

An ethical code does not strictly have to be written, but a non-written code of ethics would need to have widespread acceptance and plenty of support behind it. That new system of interpersonal relations that you came up with while drunk is not an ethical code.

Can’t get much looser than anarchism.

Strictest? Possibly corporate codes of conduct. Do what we tell you, or you’re fired.

Thanks, but this is not really what I was talking about. Anarchism is basically the absence of rules, and I pretty much mentioned that in my OP.

Also, for the corporate codes of conduct, I’m more looking for specific examples that are particularly juicy.

E.g. something that would make many people turn their head and say, “Wait, how can that be ethical? It’s, like, totally dishonest!” or “Wait, it’s unethical now to wear a blue tie on Tuesdays? Was the Ethics Committee unethically watching old surreal comedy reruns again?”

How about this? Many people consider striking a disobedient child to be totally appropriate. Some people feel the same about a spouse.

Well, doctors have a fairly extensive and detailed code of ethics – medical ethics – for the obvious reason that a doctor can, if careless, do a whole blortload of serious harm. Police codes of ethics are also extensive and strict.

Professions where harm is unlikely tend to be a bit more free-form in this way. A blacksmith, say, won’t have to lug around a big book of requirements and regulations.

There are people who make a living as professional medical ethicists. Not gonna happen with blacksmiths.

Orthodox Judaism has a very detailed code of rules. Atheists are far less burdened.

“Be excellent to each other, and party on dudes!” ?

Okay, okay, if you’re not counting overt fiction…how 'bout “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law”?

Or there’s always Friedrich Nietzsche’s final, concise, yet deeply moving statement on ethical behavior; “NO! DON’T YOU HIT THAT HORSE! AAAAAGGGGHHHbbrgglh…!”

Loosest code of ethics? That’s easy: bankers.

Anarchism is the absence of rulers, not rules. You’re both thinking of anarchy, not anarchism.

And I have yet to find a looser ethical system than Thelema’s, as Ranchoth said.

Oh lord, do we have to go over this again?

This may appear to permit any and all behavior at first glance, but the way ones “will” is defined in Crowley’s various writings actually precludes things like murder and rape, since will does not exist in a vacuum.

This is along the lines of what I was looking for. Are there any blacksmiths’ associations that have formal codes of ethics? Have any in the past? Anyone have a copy?

“Mr. Jones, I’m required by professional ethics to disclose to you that I once shoed a horse for Farmer Bill down in yonder valley and also made a set of knives for his son John. Also, my sister’s first boyfriend’s grandmother’s third cousin’s probation officer owns a hundred shares of Bethlehem Steel, who is one of my major raw material suppliers. Before I can reforge this pickaxe for you, I need you to sign this form indicating that I have properly disclosed said potential conflicts of interest in perpetuity under Article Seven. Thanks.”

Also, LaVeyan Satanism, while at first appearing to be a do whatever feels good system, in fact has a code forbidding sexual offenses, any harm to children, and killing animals for sport (hunting for food or killing animals for protection is fine).