I mean a set of ethics, principles.
That can be a canon, can be taught, is subject to change but is meant to be a guide. The opposite of a knee-jerk reaction; a way of building confidence in our ability to make the right decision in any given situation.
Perhaps I'm too idealistic, hoping for the best while knowing that mistakes must be made along the way.
The audience is my kids, mostly, although I won't deny that I evaluate others' behaviour too...