Differentiation between Ethics and Morality

1. Definition:

• Ethics refers to a structured set of principles that guide behavior in a professional or societal context. It is often codified in formal guidelines and professional standards. For example, the Code of Conduct for IAS officers outlines ethical principles for public service.
• Morality, on the other hand, pertains to personal beliefs and values about right and wrong, often shaped by cultural, religious, or individual standards. For instance, personal morality might dictate one’s views on issues like abortion or euthanasia.

2. Source:

• Ethics are generally derived from external codes, laws, or professional standards. They are systematic and universally applicable within specific contexts.
• Morality is internally developed and varies greatly between individuals and cultures. It is influenced by personal upbringing, culture, and religious teachings.

Determinants of Ethical Actions

1. Personal Integrity: Individual honesty and consistency in values play a crucial role in ethical behavior. For instance, public figures like Dr. Abdul Kalam exemplified integrity by maintaining transparency in their professional and personal lives.

2. Legal Framework: Laws and regulations set boundaries for ethical actions. Compliance with legal standards ensures that actions are not only ethical but also lawful. Recent anti-corruption laws have reinforced ethical conduct in governance.

3. Organizational Culture: An organization’s ethical climate influences behavior. For example, companies like Patagonia foster a strong ethical culture through their commitment to environmental sustainability, guiding employees to act ethically.

4. Social Norms and Values: Cultural and societal norms shape ethical behavior. Public reactions to events, such as the Me Too movement, demonstrate how evolving social values influence ethical standards and actions.

In summary, while ethics and morality both guide behavior, ethics are external and systematic, whereas morality is personal and culturally influenced. Determinants of ethical actions include personal integrity, legal frameworks, organizational culture, and social norms.