What's the Difference Between Ethics and Morals?

Ethics and morality are terms that we often come across in our day to day lives. These two terms are usually used to define an individual’s or society’s attitude, behavior or thinking patterns.

In simple words, we can define morals as the customs which are established by individuals whereas ethics are recognized by groups or societies.

Key Differences Between Ethics And Morality

Generally, ethics and morality are terms that are used interchangeably, with a few distinctions from communities like academics, religious or legal communities. In actuality, morality and ethics revolve around the difference between ‘good and bad’ or ‘right and wrong.’

Commonly, we often use the terms moral and immoral in context of issues such as adultery, rape, or assault, with the discussion being made at a community or personal level. However, the distinction between the two can get a little tricky.

Ethics assists in maintaining one’s personal code of conduct in the society. They are considered to be highly debatable and belligerent.

Ethics vs. Morals

The distinction between ethics and morals is very important to the philosophical ethicists. Just like sticking to the ethics gives you a respectable position in the society, following good moral values, makes you a good person in the eyes of the society. Here, let's discuss a few differences between the two!

#1. External vs. Internal

While ethics belong to the external social structures, morals are defined internally by an individual or by a group of individuals.

#2. Culture vs. Individual

While ethics became a part of the culture because the society demanded every individual to follow a set of basic principles, morals were established on an individual's perception of right and wrong.

More on: Difference Between Culture And Society

#3. Consistency vs. Flexibility

Ethics are dependent on the entire society, therefore, they are more consistent and are modified by contextual variation. Morals, on the other hand, are consistent too, but have a greater potential of modification, because an individual's perception keeps changing with time.

#4. Legality vs. Individuality

Ethics are looked upon by professionals and legal guidelines whereas morals trespass the cultural standards.

Recommend: Should Artists Preach Morality in Their Works?

Differences Between Morality and Ethics Examples

Ethics and morality are loosely based on the demarcation between ‘right’ and ‘wrong,’ and therefore, used interchangeably. While ethics are a part of the external system, morality concerns the beliefs of an individual. Ethics and morality can be differentiated on the following basis.

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#1. Source

Ethics are based on external standards and are constituted by institutions, groups, or culture which an individual is a part of. For instance, all the lawyers, doctors or any other professionals are obliged to follow the ethical code of conduct or a set of defined protocols, laid by their respective profession. Ethics constitute the countries framework or structure for acceptable behavior.

Morals are influenced by the culture or society, but they are created on the basis of personal or individual beliefs.

 #2. Consistency

Ethics are very consistent and vary only with contextual variation. Similarly, morals are consistent too, but are comparatively flexible because an individual’s values and beliefs can change with the course of time.

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#3. Origins

Although the terms are often confused with one another, their origin is very different. While Ethics originated from Greek word ‘ethos’. Moral originated from Latin word ‘mos’.

Did you know the difference between moral and ethics? Let us know in the comment section below.

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