Ethics and morals seem to appear similar on the face of it, but if one analyzes deeply, there is a subtle difference. Ethics define the code that a society or group of people adhere to, while Morality delves into the right and wrong at a much deeper level, both personal and spiritual. Morals define personal character, while ethics stress a social system which those morals are applied.

 

Ethics

• Ethics refers to a set of standards, norms, principles that the society places over itself, against which the actions of an individual is judged from the view point of rightness or wrongness or goodness or badness. In simple words, Ethics is a set of standards that a society places on itself, which helps to guide the behavior, choices and actions of a person.
• Ethics is a moral philosophy or philosophical treatise which studies human behavior and tries to determine whether an act performed is morally right or wrong. In nutshell, Ethics is a set of moral principles by which people conduct themselves-personally, socially and professionally.

 

Morality and Moral Values

• The word Morals originated from the Latin word Mos. The meaning of Mos is custom/Tradition. Morals are nothing but the principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour. Moral values are the highest among all natural values. Moral values are the standards of good and evil, which govern an individual’s behaviour and choices.
• Morality refers to a set of standards, norms, principles or directives that an individual places over him/herself. In other words, Morality means standards of conduct that are accepted as right or proper, it is based on personal conscience rather than what the law says. Morals are related to issues of right or wrong and to how individuals should behave.

 

The Major Difference between Ethics and Morality

Generally, Ethics and morals seem very similar and intermixed with each other. In fact, many ethicists consider that both the terms are interchangeable. However, there are slight and subtle differences between them.

 

Ethics	Morality
The word Ethics originated from the Greek word ethos. The meaning of ethos is a character	The word Morals originated from the Latin word Mos. The meaning of Mos is custom.
Ethics refers to a set of standards, norms, principles or directives that the society places over itself for regulating its functioning.	Morality refers to a set of standards, norms, principles or directives that an individual places over him/her self.
Ethics means a Set of standards that society places over itself	Morality means a personal compass of right and wrong
Source of ethics is external influences i.e. Social Milieu	Source of morality id internal resolutions i.e. Inherent Conscience.
Ethics determines which behavior is "right" and “wrong”.	Morals are concerned with individuals feeling "good" or "bad,"
Ethics dictate what practical behaviors are allowed in a group/ society.	Morals reflect individual preferences, intentions and internally set standards for a person.