Answer:
Definitions
1. Ethics refers to the principles that govern a person's behavior or conducting an activity. Ethics is often seen as a system of moral principles, and it can be applied on an individual, societal, or professional level.
2. Morality refers to the principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. Morality typically implies a set of rules or guidelines that are accepted by an individual or a group.
Interrelationship
1. Ethics as a System of Morality:
Ethics can be seen as a structured approach to morality. When we talk about someone being ethical, we typically mean that they adhere to a set of ethical principles or standards, which are often derived from broader moral concepts.
2. Subjectivity and Context:
While morality is highly personal and can vary significantly between individuals and cultures, ethics often seeks to establish universal principles that can be applied more broadly. For example, professional ethics create guidelines that apply to all members of a profession, regardless of personal moral beliefs.
Are Ethics and Morality the Same?
While they are related, they are not the same:
Ethical Actions:
Being ethical means acting in accordance with a set of rules or principles designed to promote fairness, justice, and well-being. Ethical behavior is often codified in documents such as professional codes of conduct or institutional policies.
Moral Actions:
Being moral means acting on personal, cultural, or religious beliefs about what is right and wrong. Morality is more subjective and may vary greatly between different people and cultures.
Examples to Illustrate the Difference
- Professional Ethics vs. Personal Morality:
- Suppose a lawyer has to defend a client they know is guilty. Professional ethics require the lawyer to offer the best possible defense regardless of personal moral judgments. In this case, the lawyer is acting ethically (following the rules of their profession) but may face a moral dilemma because their personal sense of right and wrong is in conflict.
- Cultural Morality vs. Ethical Standards:
In some cultures, practices such as arranged marriages are morally acceptable. However, from an ethical standpoint, especially in a global context, the practice might raise questions about personal autonomy and consent.
