The difference between Ethics and Moral (Ethics versus Morality)

The word “Morals” and “Ethics” originally meant much same thing:

Both words refer to the general area of right and wrongs in the theory and practice of human
behavior.

Ethics

• Derived from the Greek word “ethos” which means customs, habitual usage, conduct and
character.
• Ethics can be defined as “the branch of philosophy dealing with standards of conduct and
moral judgment”. It refers to a method of inquiry that assists people to understand the
morality of human behavior. (i.e. it is the study of morality). When used in this sense, ethics
is an activity; it is a way of looking at or investigating certain issues about human behavior.
• Ethics refers to the practices or beliefs of a certain group (i.e. Nursing ethics, Physicians'
ethics), so it refers to the expected standards as described in the group's code of professional
conduct.
• Ethics is concerned what ought to be, what is right, or wrong, good or bad.
• It is a formal reasoning process reflects a set of values and used to determine the right
conduct.
• It refers to the science and inquiry of principles, values and morals, it's an activity in the
academic context.
• It is process of questioning, and perhaps changing, one's morals.

Morals

• Derived from the Latin “mores”, means custom or habit.

• Morality: usually refers to an individual’s personal standards of what is right and wrong in
conduct, character, and attitude.
• Morals: are based on religious beliefs and social influence and group norms
• Morals: is principles and rules of right conduct. Commitment to principles and values are
usually defended in daily life.

Although the terms morals and ethics are often used interchangeably, In both, we describe the
behavior we observe as good, right, desirable, honorable, fitting or proper or we might describe
the behavior as bad, wrong, improper, irresponsible, or evil.
Ethics usually refers to a standardized code as a guide to behaviors. Whereas morals usually
refers to an individual’s own code for acceptable behavior, they refer to standards of behavior
actually held or followed by individuals and arise from an individual’s conscience. They act as a
guide for individual behavior and are learned through instruction and socialization.

You may find, for example, that you and your clients disagree on the acceptability of certain
behaviors, such as premarital sex, taking drugs, or gambling. Even in your nursing class, you will
probably encounter some disagreements because each of you has developed a personal code that
defines acceptable behavior.