Difference Between Morals and Ethics

We greatly encounter moral and ethical issues, in our day to day life. Perhaps,
these two defines a personality, attitude, and behavior of a person. The
word Morals is derived from a Greek word “Mos” which means custom. On
the other hand, if we talk about Ethics, it is also derived from a Greek word
“Ethikos” which means character. Put simply, morals are the customs
established by group of individuals whereas ethics defines the character of
an individual.

While morals are concerned with principles of right and wrong, ethics are
related to right and wrong conduct of an individual in a particular sitution.
Many use the two terms as synonyms, but there are slight and subtle
differences between morals and ethis, which are described in the article
below.

Content: Morals Vs Ethics

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Examples
5. Conclusion
Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR
MORALS ETHICS
COMPARISON

Meaning Morals are the beliefs of the Ethics are the guiding principles which help
individual or group as to what is the individual or group to decide what is
right or wrong. good or bad.

What is it? General principles set by group Response to a specific situation

Root word Mos which means custom Ethikos which means character

Governed By Social and cultural norms Individual or Legal and Professional norms

Deals with Principles of right and wrong Right and wrong conduct

Applicability in No Yes
Business

Consistency Morals may differ from society to Ethics are generally uniform.
society and culture to culture.

Expression Morals are expressed in the form of Ethics are abstract.

general rules and statements.

Freedom to think No Yes

and choose
Definition of Morals

Morals are the social, cultural and religious beliefs or values of an individual
or group which tells us what is right or wrong. They are the rules and
standards made by the society or culture which is to be followed by us while
deciding what is right. Some moral principles are:

 Do not cheat
 Be loyal
 Be patient
 Always tell the truth
 Be generous

Morals refer to the beliefs what is not objectively right, but what is
considered right for any situation, so it can be said that what is morally
correct may not be objectively correct.

Definition of Ethics

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of conduct of

an individual or group. It works as a guiding principle as to decide what is
good or bad. They are the standards which govern the life of a person. Ethics
is also known as moral philosophy. Some ethical principles are:

 Truthfulness
 Honesty
 Loyalty
 Respect
 Fairness
 Integrity
Key Differences Between Morals and Ethics

The major differences between Morals and Ethics are as under:

1. Morals deal with what is ‘right or wrong’. Ethics deals with what is
‘good or evil’.

2. Morals are general guidelines framed by the society E.g. We should

speak truth. Conversely, ethics are a response to a particular
situation, E.g. Is it ethical to state the truth in a particular situation?

3. The term morals is derived from a Greek word ‘mos’ which refers to
custom and the customs are determined by group of individuals or
some authority. On the other hand, ethics is originated from Greek
word ‘ethikos’ which refers to character and character is an attribute.

4. Morals are dictated by society, culture or religion while Ethics are

chosen by the person himself which governs his life.

5. Morals are concerned with principles of right and wrong. On the

contrary, ethics stresses on right and wrong conduct.

6. As morals are framed and designed by the group, there is no option to

think and choose; the individual can either accept or reject.
Conversely, the people are free to think and choose the principles of
his life in ethics.

7. Morals may vary from society to society and culture to culture. As

opposed to Ethics, which remains same regardless of any culture,
religion or society.

8. Morals do not have any applicability to business, whereas Ethics is

widely applicable in the business known as business ethics.

9. Morals are expressed in the form of statements, but Ethics are not
expressed in the form of statements.
Examples

 If the son of a big politician has committed a crime and he uses his
powers to free his son from legal consequences. Then this act is
immoral because the politician is trying to save a culprit.
 A very close friend or relative of an interviewer comes for an interview
and without asking a single question, he selects him. This act is
unethical because the selection process must be transparent and
unbiased.
 A grocer sells adulterated products to his customers to earn more
profit. This act is neither moral nor ethical because he is cheating his
customers and profession at the same time.

Conclusion

Every single individual has some principles which help him throughout his
life to cope up with any adverse situation; they are known as ethics. On the
other hand, Morals are not the hard and fast rules or very rigid, but they are
the rules which a majority of people considered as right. That is why the
people widely accept them. This is all for differentiating Morals from Ethics.