Ethics and morality might seem a bit difficult to understand, but they are very important concepts, so I’ll explain them in an easy-to-understand way.
1. What is Ethics?
First, let’s talk about “ethics.” Ethics are like rules for thinking about “how we should act” in society.
For example, it’s like a social agreement that says, “It’s better to behave this way so that everyone can live safely.”
Ethics are often determined by specific jobs or professions.
2. Examples of Ethics
a. Medical Ethics:
It’s natural for doctors to do their best for their patients.
For example, protecting patient privacy and avoiding unnecessary treatments are ways to ensure that everyone can receive treatment with peace of mind.
This is called “medical ethics.”
b. Business Ethics:
Companies must act properly while pursuing profits.
For example, it’s not okay to lie to sell products, and protecting the environment is also important.
The responsibility of companies to society is called “business ethics.”
In other words, ethics are rules that define “correct behavior” within society or professions, and it is expected that people follow these rules.
3. What is Morality?
Next, let’s talk about “morality.”
Morality is more personal and is like your own standard for “this is good” and “this is bad.”
For example, not lying or helping people in need are things that everyone thinks are “good.”
That’s what morality is.
4. Examples of Morality
a. Not Lying:
It’s not good to lie to your friends, right?
If you promise to play with a friend tomorrow but go out with other friends instead, the friend you promised will be sad.
This might not be against the law, but morally, it’s “not good.”
b. Helping Others:
If you see an elderly person carrying a heavy load on the street, you might think, “I should help.”
This is because you feel that it’s morally “good,” and you naturally want to do it.
Morality is strongly influenced by personal feelings, family, and culture, so the standards of “good” and “bad” can differ from person to person in the same situation.
5. Differences Between Ethics and Morality
In simple terms, ethics are based on rules and standards decided by society as a whole, while morality is based on personal feelings of “this is good” and “this is bad.”
a. Ethics are social rules, morality is personal beliefs:
Ethics are rules that everyone agrees to follow. Morality is based more on personal values and feelings.
b. Ethics are logical, morality is emotional:
Ethics are decided by calmly thinking about what works best for society as a whole, so they are a bit theoretical.
Morality involves personal feelings of “this is good” or “I don’t like this,” so emotions are heavily involved.
c. Ethics emphasize the group, morality emphasizes the individual:
Ethics define actions within large groups like healthcare or business.
Morality is a standard for how individuals feel and should act.
6. Can Ethics and Morality Clash?
Yes, sometimes ethics and morality can clash.
Example 1: Choices in Medical Settings
For example, if a doctor is treating a terminally ill patient and the patient wants life-prolonging treatment, what should the doctor do?
Medical ethics say to “respect the patient’s wishes,” but the doctor might personally feel that “it would only prolong suffering and should be stopped.”
In such cases, professional ethics and personal morality can clash.
Example 2: Decisions in a Company
If a company is trying to make a very profitable product but knows that the product will harm the environment, what should they do?
The company might think, according to business ethics, that “they should consider the environment,” but they might ignore this to prioritize profits.
In such cases, business ethics and company profits can clash.
7. Summary
How was it? Ethics and morality are both guidelines for us to take the right actions, but they are a bit different.
Ethics are rules decided by society or specific fields, while morality is based on personal feelings and values.
Both have their roles, and we are expected to live while valuing both.
But sometimes, ethics and morality can clash, so it’s important to think carefully in such situations.
How was it? If you want to know more, feel free to ask anytime!
(Note.)
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