What is the Difference Between Ethics and Morals?
The difference between ethics and morals can seem somewhat arbitrary to many, but there is a basic, albeit subtle, difference. Morals define personal character, while ethics stress a social system in which those morals are applied. In other words, ethics point to standards or codes of behavior expected by the group to which the individual belongs. This could be national ethics, social ethics, company ethics, professional ethics, or even family ethics. So while a person’s moral code is usually unchanging, the ethics he or she practices can be other-dependent. When considering the difference between ethics and morals, it may be helpful to consider a criminal defense lawyer. Though the lawyer’s personal moral code likely finds murder immoral and reprehensible, ethics demand the accused client be defended as vigorously as possible, even when the lawyer knows the party is guilty and that a freed defendant would potentially lead to more crime. Legal ethics must override personal morals for t
Morals, in my understanding, are the basic rights and wrongs internal to a person or the person’s environment. Ethics would be working within other groups of morals. The consideration that other people’s morals are a little different than yours. So in order for a peaceable existance, you comply or to an extent accept their morals. I don’t think it means that you have to add them to your list of morals but that you coexist with them. _________________ “To perceive is to suffer.
You wouldn’t believe how many times I get asked this question. Personally, I don’t care at all whether you call them ethics or morals, just as long as you have thought your code of behavior through, and act in a manner consistent with that thinking. But for those of you who do care: The dictionary defines morals as “principles of right and wrong conduct.” Ethics are defined as a “system of morally correct conduct.” So I suppose you could say that morals are the principles you live by, and ethics are the system by which you put those principles into action. OK?
