What branch of philosophy pertains to human conduct and the values that guide it?

The branch of philosophy that pertains to human conduct and the values that guide it is ethics. Ethics is fundamentally concerned with questions of morality and values, examining what is right or wrong, good or bad, just or unjust in human behavior. It delves into standards and principles that govern the choices individuals make and the consequences of these choices on themselves and society.

Ethics plays a crucial role in many fields, including medicine, law, and, notably, mortuary science, where practitioners often confront moral dilemmas concerning respect for the deceased, the wishes of families, and societal norms around death and grieving. Through ethical frameworks, professionals in these areas can navigate complex scenarios that require thoughtful consideration of values and human conduct.

Other branches of philosophy mentioned focus on different areas: epistemology deals with knowledge and belief, metaphysics concerns the nature of reality and existence, and aesthetics focuses on beauty and artistic values. Each of these fields has its relevance but does not specifically address the question of morality and the principles guiding human actions like ethics does.