What are ethics? What is morality?

[KillerMuffin]

I have to write an essay on these blasted things. The essay is done. I've read it several times and it confuses the hell out of me, I'm sure the prof will love it enough to give it at least an F. How does someone who changes so much from day to day define subjective absolutes? Yeesh. We do webster, that's how. Why? Cause cym has the OEM and I don't. I'm pea green here.

So, this could be interesting, what are ethics? What is morality? How do we learn our ethics and morality? Why would these things be important to anyone individually and as a part of society? Where do we get them? Is it possible to break our personal code of ethics? What are your ethics? How do you define your morality? Do you honestly care?

 

[gleam]

Just my opinion but I suspect it has something to do with the human instinct to survive, which is why, in virtually all cultures, murder is seen as a crime. Murder is a gratuitous disregard for human life, which goes against the survival instinct.

This doesn't necessarily lead to jungle morality, since the requirements of human survival are different than the requirements of, say, bug survival or lion survival. I would argue that co-operation is a major component here, especially since, in a contest of brute force, we almost always lose to other animals.

This also explains why ethis change over time. As humans evolve, the requirements for they're survival change, etc.

Just a few thoughts, for what they're worth.

 

[Mensa]

The winds of change!

To differentiate between ethics and morality it's best to use a metaphor. Ethics being a windvane, morality a compass.

Ethics tend to be situational, they can change as their environment changes. Different times, different ethics. Things our fathers and grandfathers would never think of allowing are now common. Things they didn't hesitate to endorse are now considered incorrect.

Morality, on the other hand doesn't change. They are timeless principles that remain essentially immutable. Codes of conduct for the ages, if you will. If you are a truly moral person, you will not compromise them no matter what! Even under threat of death. But only if you are truly moral. That's why forgiveness is so important in a moral world, because it is so easy to stumble. No one manages to sail through life without putting a foot wrong at least once.

With ethics, you can always justify compromise. With morals, you never can honestly. Ethics change with the prevailing winds. Morals always point you in one direction with no variation.

End of sermon, go in peace!

 

[Sparky Kronkite]

Two words with a bit differing meanings but.....

relative to each other - philosophically.

Both the words - (spelling, meaning, context - in English and other languages) - concocted via society - to help define the complexity of human "societal rule."

Their meaning and value differ - from one human mind to the next - yet there is a general concensus among humans - that the use and meaning of these two words - is meaningful.

However - when all is said and done (if ever) these two words will prove to be nothing more than - just words.

 

[Morden]

I take my ethics and morality seriously. The only problem is I live by a very strict code and that leads me to be severely ashamed of some people who I consort with. along the years I have learned to take the good with the bad and realize no one is perfect. I have broken my own once or twice and repented for it.

Honour: Do not dishonour the spirit of a friendship or love

Truth: Speak it as often as you can and lie not if you can avoid it, for it damages your soul

Work: The job gets done, the path is not as important sometimes.

Experience: Respect it and value it in myself and others.

Love: Hold true to it and fallow your heart with sincerity. Nothing is as valueable.

Friendship: Elusive and often ponderous. Value it but do not expect to much from others, and understand why.

Patience: things come to those who wait with positive atitudes. The universe is far better at revenge then any human.

Knowledge: A powerful weapon and tool. Respect it and wield it with pride and reservation

Understanding: To be sought even when that understanding may cause you pain.

Balance: Attain it only when needed and challenge yourself when ready. Perfect balance is perfect stagnation.

Combat: fight with honour but do not let the objective get clouded, because others will not fight with honour.

Pain: Something to be understood and endured.

Foolishness: Everything starts out here but under a watchful eye.

Fear: Listen to it but do not let it guide you, that is for your heart.

The body: Do not polute it. Respect others bodies by not polluting them.

I could probably go on but I think people get the point. To me ethics and morals are all I have sometimes. In this strange world were people seem to change allegences at will, or lie just for the fun of it. I have had to question a lot of what I take for value, sometimes though questions have been painful. But all of life is growth, and with growth comes pain.

 

[beckbabe]

To me, ethics and morality are agreements we make with each other. Just as we agree to stop at stop signs, we agree to live by common rules of decency. Of course, not everyone stops at every stop sign, but that doesn't make stop signs worthless.

 

[Starfish]

My ethics and morality prevent me from answering this question, after so many have done such a wonderful job, before me.