Etymology of Ethics and Morals

Study Notes

Etymology of Ethics and Morals

The word "ethics" originates from the Greek word "ethos," which translates to customs, usage, and character.
The Roman word "mores" represents the same concept, serving as the root of "morality," "moral," and "morals."
"Ethics" and "morals" are often used interchangeably, encompassing the traditional manners, customs, habits, and character of a community or group.
These concepts define the group's standards or norms, or what's known as the "system of values" – dictating what is deemed "good," "right," or the "proper" way of living, acting, and doing.

Types of Norms Within a Community

Technical Norm: This norm relates to human needs arising from bodily limitations, focusing on survival, health, and well-being. It involves problem-solving, transforming the natural world, and coping with natural forces. This norm emphasizes techniques for relating means to ends, healing, work, production, and organization.
- Examples include "right" foods to eat, proper surgical procedures, accepted farming practices, construction techniques, and work division based on gender.
Societal Norm: This norm centers on fostering group cohesion and strengthening bonds among community members. Certain manners of attire, communication styles, rituals, and ceremonies are considered "proper" or "appropriate" because they support these bonds.
- Actions contradicting the societal norm can be considered unlawful, proscribed, or frowned upon as they disrupt community relations.
Aesthetic Norm: This norm focuses on perceptual standards regarding color, shape, space, movement, sound, feeling, touch, taste, scent, and odor in both natural and man-made environments. These elements are considered "ennobling," "beautiful," or "heightening man's existence" because they express joy and celebration of the human spirit.
Ethical or Moral Norm: This norm combines with the religious norm to create the "ethico-religious" norm. It centers on an ideal vision of a perfect human being, serving as the ultimate goal and an ideal norm.
- Ethical and moral norms define actions as right or wrong, good or bad, based on this ideal vision. They highlight "nonnegotiables" – values cherished by the community that give ultimate meaning and direction to human life.
- All other norms (technical, societal, and aesthetic) are subordinate to moral norms.

Definition of Morality

In a stricter sense, ethics or morality is the dimension of human existence where individuals confront an ideal vision of themselves – an ideal state or goal for their existence.
This ideal vision sparks a demand for actions in accord with the ideal vision and goal.
The ideal vision sets the fundamental norm for judging life and actions as either right or wrong, good or bad.

Description

Explore the origins of the terms 'ethics' and 'morals', tracing their roots back to Greek and Roman languages. Understand how these concepts reflect the customs and values of a community, influencing what is considered right and proper behavior.