Difference Between Ethics and Morality
There are notable differences between ethics and morals, although sometimes people tend to confuse them. Ethics is a branch belonging to philosophy that values and studies what is correct or not. In addition, it emphasizes the correct behavior patterns that must be put into practice. Morality is a set of values, norms and behaviors accepted by a society that serve to correctly structure that particular society and promote balance between the people who make it up.
Ethics and morals are two concepts that are related on many occasions, but they are different. They are not synonyms, although in everyday life they are used interchangeably.
Ethics is a branch of philosophy. It originated in Ancient Greece and focuses on studying the terms of good and evil. It is not framed within any specific culture, but aims to differentiate what is right from what is wrong, along with other similar concepts.
On the other hand, morality encompasses those norms established by a certain society and that affect the behavior of the members that comprise it. These values are related to the social context and the traditions of the individuals belonging to that society.
In addition, these certain values are usually inherited with the aim of promoting social stability and maintaining an optimal structure for coexistence.
In economics, there is also a growing interest in ethics and morals. Especially in relation to the world of business and business.
What are the main differences between ethics and morals?
These are the most important differences between both concepts:
- Morality is related to the most appropriate values and behaviors within a given context or society. It is about putting these concepts into practice so that society is regulated in a balanced way.
- Ethics defines correct or incorrect behavior based on general principles. It does not focus on determining these with respect to a particular society. Ethics is more related to the theoretical part of these types of terms.
- Ethics has its origin in individuality. Different individuals reflect on topics such as good and evil. Subsequently, they themselves implement these reflections in their lives. It is not something mandatory that they have to put into practice, it is optional, since they are individual reflections.
- Morality is a more widespread, group concept, since they are socially accepted values and influence all the people who make up that specific society to which they belong.
- Ethics is an individual value of reflection and the person who puts it into practice can apply it to his own life. They are rational values or beliefs that can be put into practice or not.
- Morality is something that cannot be chosen by individuals belonging to a society. It is something established and socially accepted. Misbehavior can result in punishment.
- Ethics is a general principle, a thought, a reflection without application to any specific context. Morality can vary depending on the society in which the individual finds himself.
Example of ethics and morals
Telling the truth in a given situation would be an example of morality. Helping an old man who can barely walk to cross a street would be another example of morality, since honesty is a highly valued social value.
On the other hand, when an individual reflects on what is right or wrong, based on their own beliefs, it would be included within ethics.
