Which of the following is NOT a potential influence on personal ethics?

Government policy is not typically considered a direct influence on personal ethics in the same way that education, life experience, and culture are. Personal ethics are shaped by individual values and morals, which are largely developed through a person's upbringing, personal experiences, and societal norms.

Education plays a significant role as it provides knowledge, critical thinking skills, and exposure to different viewpoints that can shape one's understanding of right and wrong. Life experiences contribute uniquely to individual ethics, as personal interactions and situations encountered can influence moral reasoning. Culture also significantly influences personal ethics by setting societal norms and expectations regarding behavior and values.

While government policies can reflect societal ethics and values, they do not inherently shape an individual's personal ethical framework. Instead, personal ethics are more closely tied to the internalization of these broader influences rather than direct imposition by policy. Thus, among the options provided, government policy stands out as the least direct influence on personal ethics.