The 5 differences between Ethics and Morals

Ethics and morals are matters of our daily actions. Both largely define decisions and actions that we do every day in different circumstances. However, they are different things and here we explain why.

Although the definitions of ethics and morals are interpreted differently by different disciplines, since they are topics of In-depth study, one can start from general and universal concepts to explain the differences between ethics and morals.

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Know the differences between ethics and morals

Ethics and morals have very similar meanings, which is why they are often used interchangeably. In this text we are going to explain the differences between one and the other. These two topics are part of human nature, so it is important to understand the concepts.

Through the differences between ethics and morals, we can come to an understanding of what they are and the impact they have on our lives. They are themes of philosophy that have been extended to all areas of study and work.

1. Etymological origin

Morals and ethics are philosophical concepts that have been studied for millennia. Both words have an etymological origin that help us understand each concept. Because the two deal with similar issues and concern human behavior, they are confused.

The word "Ethics" comes from the Latin "ethicus"Which is a voice derived from the Greek word"ethos", Which refers to the way or action one has to do things, or to custom. This etymological origin gives us a clear notion of the concept of "ethics".

On the other hand, "moral" comes from the Latin "moralis"Which means" referring to customs ", making a reference more towards the social or community sense than the personal. In this way, morality has a different field of study than ethics.

As can be discerned from the etymological origin of both words, ethics and morals have a similar field of study but they are not the same. However, they are issues that have to do with the actions and motives of the human being.

2. Definition

The very definition of ethics and morals give us clarity about their clear differences. Currently both concepts are used to refer to almost the same thing. On a daily basis they are used interchangeably to talk about the correct actions of people.

But ethics and morals don't mean the same. Morals are the rules of conduct inherent in a system. Either social, political or family and that are established as a way to maintain the stability of the system itself.

On the other hand, ethics studies and reflects on moral issues. That is, once the norms that govern a group exist, ethics questions and discerns about their legitimacy to apply them or not in a particular way.

In other words, morality works in a collective sense, while ethics is a more introspective and individual matter. However, both end up defining the behavior of an individual in a given group.

3. Historical origin

Ethics and morals can also be understood through their historical origin. Ethics originated in ancient Greece. The first records of the study of this discipline are in charge of Aristotle and Plato.

Several centuries later, Kant and Descartes will return to the concepts of the ancient philosophers and they will lay the foundations for what is today defined as ethics. On the other hand, morality does not have a specific historical origin, since it is something inherent in the organization of human groups.

Once the human being was established in groups, the need arose to establish rules that would guarantee the progress and harmony of the clan. With the advent of writing, these moral principles became laws.

Throughout the centuries and the history of mankind, religions were responsible for permeating moral rules in society. While in the West Christianity and Judaism played a fundamental role, in the East it was Buddhism.

4. Temporality

Ethics is permanent, while morality is temporary. This differentiation between the two concepts can help to understand why they are two different things but that they have to do with each other.

Morals have changed throughout history. Those rules of conduct that governed in past centuries may today be obsolete. While the conception of the sacred, the correct and the beneficial has changed, the norms and therefore the morals have also changed.

For this reason is that morality is said to be temporary, as it works in a specific period of time. You cannot define and study current human behavior based on the morals of earlier times.

Instead ethics is permanent. This is because ethics is an individual reflection that is generated in the individual and that despite be influenced by the morals of his time, is inherent in him and therefore remains during his existence.

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5. Relationship with the individual

The fundamental difference between ethics and morals is their relationship with the human being. Both deal with behaviors and reasons to act correctly or not depending on what the group or individual dictates, but the origin differentiates the ethical from the moral.

When dealing with the morality of the rules and foundations that guide the conduct of a group, we are talking about hopes that the individuals who belong to that group, respect them in order to preserve the very existence of the group.

Nevertheless it may happen that these moral rules run counter to the ethics of an individual, who in their own reflection and questioning of morality, decides not to act morally, that is, not to respond to what the group poses as expected behavior.

An example of this may be the moral principles expected of all those who engage in medicine or laws, where it happens that these can be opposed to the ethics of those who they exert.

Bibliographic references

• Kelly, Eugene. 2006. The Basics of Western Philosophy. Greenwood Press: 160.
• Cortina, A. and Martínez, E. (2008) Ethics, Madrid, Akal.