Ethical vs Moral
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The distinction between ethical and moral can be quite puzzling for some people. Although they may seem synonymous at first, there are subtle differences between the two. Generally, both morals and ethics are perceived as the sense of right and wrong. However, this is a simplistic and general definition that does not delve into the individual differences. To better understand the distinction, we can look at ethics as the codes of conduct that are accepted and followed by individuals within a society, while morals can be considered as an individual’s sense of right and wrong. The key difference between the two lies in the fact that ethics are collectively agreed upon, while morals differ from person to person.
What is Ethical?
To understand the concept of ethical, we must first acknowledge that being ethical means abiding by the socially accepted codes of conduct. In every society, there are certain expectations for how individuals should behave. Ethics dictate these codes of conduct. As a child grows up, they become familiar with the ethical demands of their society through the socialization process. The formal and informal education received by a child also plays a role in shaping their understanding of ethics. It is important to note that ethics are not universal. A behavior that is considered acceptable in one society may not be approved of in another. For example, the topic of abortion was once considered a taboo, and in some religions, it is still viewed as a sin against humanity. However, many countries have legalized abortion to give parents the ability to limit their family size and control population growth. In these countries, abortion is not only legal but also considered ethical by society. On the other hand, in countries where abortion is illegal, it is viewed as both unethical and a criminal offense. This demonstrates that context plays a significant role in defining ethics.
What is Moral?
To comprehend the concept of moral, we must first recognize that it refers to an individual’s sense of right and wrong. Morals are internalized by an individual through their upbringing, with factors such as family, religion, and society playing a crucial role. Using the same example of abortion, even in countries where it is legal, some people may still view it as immoral due to their personal belief system. This highlights the clear difference between morals and ethics. While ethics represent the collective views of a society, morals are rooted in a person’s individual belief system at a much deeper level.
Another example that emphasizes the distinction between ethics and morals is the acceptance of homosexuality. In many countries, societies have come to accept that some individuals have sexual tendencies towards the same sex, and provisions have been made to ensure that these individuals are not discriminated against. This means that these societies now view homosexuality as both ethical and legal. However, there are still individuals within these societies who vehemently oppose homosexuality, considering it immoral. This illustrates that while ethics pertain to the overall societal view, morals relate to an individual’s personal beliefs.
Key Takeaways
- Ethical codes of conduct are dictated by society, whereas personal belief systems are referred to as morals.
- Ethics may be accepted by a society but may still be considered immoral by individuals on a deeper level.
- While ethical refers to the collective view of a society, morals refer to an individual’s personal beliefs.
