Understanding Ethics and Morality

Ethics

• Comes from the Greek word "Ethos"
• Defined as moral character
• Also, the study of the morality of the human act

Morality

• Comes from the Latin word "Mos"
• Refers to customs or manner
• A system of behavior in regards to standards of right or wrong behavior

Ethics vs Morals

• Ethics refers to the social system providing standards of right and wrong behavior
• Morals are our own principles that influence our character and conduct.

Importance of Ethics

• Shapes the individual's behavior within a society
• Acts as a self-governing system to keep human self-interest and the good of society in equilibrium

Fundamental Concept of Ethics

• The Human Act is the conscious and free exercise of one's faculties

Constituents of a Human Act

• Knowledge - The mindfulness of what the moral agent is doing
• Freedom - The quality of free will that allows the moral agent to choose one or more alternatives
• Voluntariness - Any commission or omission of an act is a result of the knowledge which an agent has of the end

Determinants of Morality

• The Objective of the Act – This refers to the substance of the act
• The Motive of the Act – The purpose for which a human agent does an act

Moral vs Non Moral Standards

• Moral standards force others to act accordingly.
• Non-moral standards are standards we have no right to impose on others
• Moral standards affect other people
• Non-moral standards do not affect other people.

Moral Standard

• Societal norms and values that determine what actions are morally acceptable or unacceptable
• They normally promote "the good," meaning the welfare and well-being of humans, animals, and the environment.

Characteristics of Moral Standards

• Focus on the welfare of beings
• Relies on sound reasoning
• Overrides hegemonic authority (authority figures)
• Impartial, Fair and Just
• Associated with special emotions and vocabulary

Non-Moral Standard

• Standards by which we judge what is good or bad, and right or wrong, in a non-moral way.
• Non-Moral standards typically relate to matters of taste and preference.

Examples of Non-Moral Standards:

• Etiquette - Standards of behavior
• Law - Legal rules
• Aesthetic - Standards of beauty and taste
• Religion - Matters of faith
• Linguistic - Rules of language

A person without moral standards

• A person without moral standards is someone who knows what is right and wrong, but intentionally chooses to do wrong.

This quiz delves into the fundamental concepts of ethics and morality, exploring their definitions, differences, and importance in society. It also highlights the constituents of a human act, emphasizing knowledge, freedom, and voluntariness. Test your understanding of these critical philosophical ideas!