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by Perryman on November 8th, 2006
The difference between ethics and morals can seem somewhat arbitrary to many, but there is a basic, albeit subtle, difference.
I have seen the difference described this way:
"Morals define personal character, while ethics stress a social system in which those morals are applied. In other words, ethics point to standards or codes of behavior expected by the group to which the individual belongs. This could be national ethics, social ethics, company ethics, professional ethics, or even family ethics. So while a person’s moral code is usually unchanging, the ethics he or she practices can be other dependent".
To illustrate this, when considering the difference between ethics and morals, it may be helpful to consider a criminal defense lawyer.
Though the lawyer’s personal moral code likely finds murder immoral and reprehensible, ethics demand the accused client be defended as vigorously as possible, even when the lawyer knows the party is guilty, even at the expense of setting him free possibly to murder again.
The official Webster definitions are:
Ethics 1: the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation
2 a : a set of moral principles : a theory or system of moral values <the present-day materialistic ethic> <an old-fashioned work ethic> often used in plural but sing. or plural in constr. <an elaborate ethics> <Christian ethics>
Morals: a : moral practices or teachings : modes of conduct
What morals, values, & beliefs did your parents instill in you?
by D to the oozie on August 1st, 2008
| 4 people like this
This is very important to me: Are moral values learned from experience and society, or are they inborn? Do you feel bad about doing something "wrong", when nobody ever told you it was wrong?
by 773491 on May 7th, 2008
| 8 people like this
Is it really better to be a open sinner than a false saint?
by tattoomikey on May 15th, 2008
| 5 people like this
State your stance on the Terri Schiavo case, and identify the moral value judgment that influenced you to choose your stance.
by sweeppe34 on July 5th, 2008
| 1 person likes this
Whatever happened to betty mahmoody's daughter?
by tgwt7yi on May 7th, 2008
| 1 person likes this
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