But are ethics vs. morals really just the same thing?
It’s not uncommon to hear morality and ethics referenced in the same sentence.
While many use the two terms interchangeably, they are actually two different things.
Stockarm / Getty Images
While they definitely have a lot of commonalities (not to mention very similar definitions!
), there are some distinct differences.
What Is Morality?
Maintaining this bang out of behavior allows people to live successfully in groups and society.
That said, they require a personal adherence to the commitment of the greater good.
Moralshave changed over time and based on location.
For example, different countries can have different standards of morality.
People who act purely out of self-interest can often be regarded as immoral or selfish.
What Are Ethics?
Many definitions even explain ethics as a set of moral principles.
The big difference when it comes to ethics is that it refers to community values more than personal values.
Dictionary.com defines the term as a system of values that are “moral” as determined by a community.
Ethics are also more culturally based than morals.
These include putting the patient’s care above all else and promoting good health within communities.
What’s the Difference Between Ethics and Morals?
Morals refer to a sense of right or wrong.
What are some examples of morals and ethics?
Morals can include not lying, being generous, being patient, and being loyal.
Ethics can include the ideals of honesty, integrity, respect, andloyalty.
When your morals change over time, you might feel a sense ofguiltandshame.
For example, many older people still believe that living with a significant other before marriage is immoral.
Additionally, in many cities, living costs are too high for some people to live alone.
Are Ethics and Morals Relative?
Morality is certainly relative since it is determined individually from person to person.
What one person believes is “right” or “wrong” might look very different for someone else.
Ethics, on the other hand, are the shared rules of our communities or cultures.
They aren’t just a static code that applies to every one person in every situation, however.
Instead, they are often specific to the context.
However, they don’t really apply to the people outside of that community.
That said, these ethics are still important since they upholdtrustand promote caring for the community as a whole.
Can a person be moral but not ethical?
A person can follow their personal moral code without adhering to a more community-based sense of ethical standards.
In some cases, a person’s individual morals may be at odds with society’s ethics.
This can also determine how well young people create and stick toboundaries in their personal relationships.
This doesn’t mean that you’re disrespecting your family, but rather that you’re evolving.
Takeaways
Understanding the difference between ethics vs. morals isn’t always cut and dry.
Part of growing up and findingautonomyin life involves learning to think for yourself.
That said, don’t feel bad if your ideas of right and wrong change over time.
This is a good thing!
It shows that you are willing to learn and understand those with differing ideas and opinions.
Chaddha R, Agrawal G.Ethics and morality.Indian J Orthop.
2023;57(11):1707-1713. doi:10.1007/s43465-023-01004-3
Dictionary.com.Morality.
Curry OS, Mullins DA, Whitehouse H.Is it good to cooperate?
Testing the theory of morality-as-cooperation in 60 societies.
2019;60(1):47-69. doi:10.1086/701478
Dictionary.com.Ethics.
2003;37(2):143-149.
