- #1
Kerrie
Staff Emeritus
Gold Member
- 844
- 15
Is there a difference, and if so what is it in your opinion?
Kerrie said:IMO, ethics has to do with what's right for society as a whole and the general population, whereas morality has to do with the choice being individual...example:
medical ethics vs abortion.
Njorl said:Ethics are specific codes applied to different organizations. There are medical ethics, legal ethics scientific ethics etc. There are real and official repercussions for violating ethics, without there necessarily being any legal result. Any group may make up its own ethical standards. No other group should feel even slightly bound by them. Sometimes, two ethical codes can be in complete contradiction to each other. A schizophrenic on death row has a doctor who ethically must help him recover, and a lawyer who ethically can not allow recovery.
Morality, on the other hand, is not official. Nobody makes up the official by-laws of morality. While everyone may have a different view of what is moral, they believe that view should apply to all.
Njorl
=webster.com]eth·ic ( P ) Pronunciation Key (thk)
n.
A set of principles of right conduct.
A theory or a system of moral values: “An ethic of service is at war with a craving for gain” (Gregg Easterbrook).
ethics (used with a sing. verb) The study of the general nature of morals and of the specific moral choices to be made by a person; moral philosophy.
ethics (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession: medical ethics.
Morals and ethics are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two distinct concepts. Morals refer to an individual's personal beliefs about what is right and wrong, while ethics are a set of principles or standards that govern the conduct of a group or profession.
This is a debated question and there is no clear answer. Some argue that morals and ethics are subjective and vary from person to person or culture to culture. Others believe that there are universal moral and ethical principles that apply to all individuals and societies.
Morals and ethics play a significant role in shaping individual behavior. Morals, being personal beliefs, can guide an individual's actions and decisions. Ethics, on the other hand, provide a framework for groups or professions to follow and can influence behavior through codes of conduct and consequences for violating ethical principles.
Yes, it is possible for an individual's personal moral beliefs to conflict with the ethical principles of a group or profession. In these cases, one must navigate the gray area and make a decision based on their personal moral code and the ethical standards of the group or profession.
Morals and ethics can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as upbringing, culture, and education. To develop strong morals and ethics, one can engage in self-reflection, seek guidance from mentors, and continuously educate oneself on moral and ethical principles. It is also important to regularly evaluate and adjust one's morals and ethics as needed.