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How Are Ethics and Morality Related?

Most people believe that there is no difference between ethics and morality. But the truth is, one is defined by someone else, and one is defined by you and is based on your internal belief system. 

Groups, Communities, and Organizations Define Ethics

Your ethics are often guided by what is deemed as ethical within your social environment. Your morals are intrinsically based on your internal ideas of right and wrong. Sometimes they’re the same, but sometimes they’re not.

Your ethics are often rooted in your culture and family background. Your morals define how your behavior will manifest. Ethics tend to be more fluid and flexible, while morality,, tends to be straightforward and static, although people do change their beliefs. 

The main reason is that ethics come from the foundation of the culture and community, and that is often defined by whoever is the leader at the time. But morals are about what you internally believe is right and wrong and that doesn’t usually change even if the society changes.

Morality is Internally Defined 

Morality doesn’t focus on your social culture as much as you may think. Instead it stems from your personal, individual thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Ethics are defined more by the community as a whole. These may differ and change over time as society changes. 

For example, if you’re an attorney, you abide by the ethics created by the governing body of attorney’s namely the Bar Association, or if you’re a Boy Scout you are expected to uphold the ethics of the organization. While the morals you believe in are defined by what you personally think. 

You may believe something is moral but your group or community sees it as unethical. Likewise, due to your morals, you may avoid joining a group of people because you disagree with their ethics. 

Why Ethics and Morals Are Important 

As you can see, ethics and morals are fundamental to getting along in the world. Understanding that your own morals may override others’ ethics, is essential to being honest and authentic in your everyday life. But first, it’s essential that you develop a moral center, based on your own research and understanding of life. 

When you do that, you won’t question your choices as much. You’ll already know what is best for you and where you stand. Make your personal choices, based on your inner morality.