Question.
Differentiate between ethics and morality and explain the determinants of ethical actions.
( UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-4/Ethics 2018)
Answer.
Ethics and morality, both guide individuals in decision-making, which also help in evaluating the actions from the perspective of right or wrong, good or bad, and just or unjust.
However, there are some differences between ethics and morality, some differences are listed below-
Ethics is a set of rules or principles that are defined or accepted by society, institutions, or organizations; and that govern the behaviors of individuals and groups in society whereas Morality is an individual's personal beliefs and values [ honesty, integrity, compassion, objectivity, etc] that are shaped by the individual belief system and the surrounded environment that guide individuals decision-making.
Ethics are the standardization of moral principles of many individuals based on a set of shared values and norms whereas morality is based on individualism and is not based on shared values.
Ethics are governed by an external principle such as society whereas morality is governed by the inner conscience or belief system of individuals.
If individuals do unethical work then penalties may be induced in the form of a social boycott whereas if an individual does things that are not per his Morality, they feel self-guilt.
Ethics is evaluated by society whereas morality is evaluated by yourself.
Determinants of ethical actions-
There are mainly three determinants to determine ethical actions, these three determinants are free will, individual intention, and situation or circumstances.
Free will: The first determinant of ethical action is free will. If individual action is not done by free will then that action can not be judged from an ethical angle.
For example, If a mentally ill person harmed another man, we can not punish them for their actions because there is no " free will" here. When the Child does something wrong, we can not judge this behavior from an ethical perspective as there is an absence of free will in his action.
Intention: Intention means the purpose of actions (good or bad). If the intention was not bad for a particular action that action may be considered ethical.
Situation or Circumstances: Based on the circumstances ethical values changes. There we must include circumstances of individual action before evaluating from an ethical perspective.
For example, If someone has put a gun on your family member's head and asked for the signature in the file. In this scenario, the action done by you may not be unethical.
In conclusion, ethics and morality are related but distinct concepts. Ethics refers to the shared values and norms that govern behaviors in society, while morality refers to an individual's personal beliefs and values. The determinants of ethical actions include free will, intention, and circumstances.
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