Ethics vs. Morals: What’s the Difference?

Morals represent the beliefs of your external community, while your morals are your personal, internal sense of what is right and wrong. That’s not to say there isn’t a lot of overlap, and, in many cases, the moral beliefs of your community influence your sense of morality.

We often use the terms “ethics” and “ethics” to refer to how we tell the difference between “right” and “wrong” or “good” and “bad.” But are ethics vs. morals really the same thing? It’s not uncommon to refer to ethics and morality in the same sentence.

Although many people use the two terms interchangeably, they are actually two different things. While they certainly have a lot in common (not to mention very similar definitions!), there are some distinct differences.

What is ethics?

Morality is a person’s or society’s view of what is right or wrong, especially in relation to a person’s behavior.

Maintaining this type of behavior allows people to live successfully in groups and in society. That said, they need a personal commitment to the greater good.

Morals have changed over time and based on location. For example, different countries may have different standards of ethics. That said, researchers have determined that the seven virtues appear to emerge across the globe and over time.

1. Bravery: Bravery has historically helped people define hierarchy. People who demonstrate the ability to be brave in difficult situations have historically been seen as leaders.
2. Fairness: Think of terms like “meeting in the middle” and the concept of taking a turn.
3. Deferring Authority: Deferring authority is important because it indicates that people will follow the rules that will contribute to the greater good. It is essential for a functioning society.
4. Helping the group: Traditions exist to help us feel close to our group. In this way, you feel more supported, and a sense of generality is promoted.
5. Loving your family: This is a more focused version of helping your group. The idea is that loving and supporting your family allows you to raise people who will continue to uphold moral principles.
6. The favors are returning: It is for society as a whole and makes it clear that people can avoid behaviors that are not generally altruistic.
7. Respecting the property of others: This goes back to resolving disputes based on prior possession, which also ties into the idea of ​​fairness.

Many of these seven ethics require deferring short-term interests for the sake of the larger group. Those who are purely out of self-interest. Acts they do can often be perceived as unethical or selfish.

What are ethics?

Many scholars and researchers do not distinguish between ethics and morality, and this is because they are very similar. Many definitions even describe ethics as a set of moral principles.

The big difference when it comes to ethics is that it refers to societal values ​​rather than personal values. Dictionary.com defines the term as a system of values ​​that are “moral” as determined by a community.

For example, the seven types of ethics transcended earlier cultures, but there are some principles, especially those in predominantly religious countries, that are determined by those cultures that are not universally recognized.

It is also common to hear the word ethics in medical communities or as a guidepost for other professions that affect large groups.

For example, the Hippocratic Oath in medicine is an example of a widely accepted ethical practice. The American Medical Association has even outlined nine separate principles that are used in clinical settings. These include putting patient care above all else and promoting good health in communities.

What is the difference between morality and ethics?

Morality refers to the sense of right or wrong. On the other hand, ethics refer more to the principles of “good” versus “evil” that are generally agreed upon by a community.

What are some examples of ethics and morality? Morality can include lying, being generous, being patient, and being loyal. Ethics can include the ideals of honesty, integrity, respect and loyalty.

Morality, ethics and mental health

Because morality and ethics can affect individuals and vary from community to community, research aims to integrate ethical principles into the practice of psychology.

That said, many people grow up adhering to a certain moral or ethical code in their families or communities. When your morals change over time, you may feel guilt and shame.

However, even if a young person believes that living with a partner before marriage is not wrong, they may still feel guilty for doing so, especially if they were taught that it is immoral to do so.

Are ethics and morality related?

Morality is definitely relative as it is determined individually from person to person. What one person believes to be “right” or “wrong” may look very different to another. Such moral beliefs are heavily influenced by factors such as family values, personal experiences, and religious teachings, all of which gradually shape our perspective over time. We each have our own unique moral compass that can guide us in a slightly different direction based on the many paths we’ve walked.

On the other hand, ethics are the shared norms of our communities or cultures. However, they are not just a static code that applies to every single person in every situation. Instead, they are often context-specific.

For example, ethical guidelines for the medical community (think patient confidentiality and do no harm) are absolutely critical in these settings. However, they don’t really apply to people outside of that community. That said, these ethics are still important because they sustain and promote care for society as a whole.

Discovering your ethics and morals

These young adults are trying to figure out what values ​​they want to carry in their lives and future families. It can also determine the extent to which young people create and stick to boundaries in their personal relationships.

Part of determining your individual moral code will involve overcoming feelings of guilt because it may differ from your upbringing. This does not mean that you are disrespecting your family, but that you are getting ready.

Working with a therapist can help you better understand the moral code you want to follow and how it ties into aspects of your past and current understanding of the world.

Understanding the difference between ethics vs. ethics isn’t always cut and dry. And it’s okay if your moral and ethical codes don’t align directly with what you learned as a child. Part of growing in life and finding independence involves learning to think for yourself. You decide what you will and won’t allow in your life, and what boundaries are acceptable to you in your relationship.

That said, don’t feel bad if your ideas of right and wrong change over time. This is a good thing! It shows that you are willing to learn and understand people with different views and opinions.

Working with a therapist can be beneficial as you explore the acceptable parts of your work and the acceptable parts of your personal code of ethics.