What is the difference between ethics and morals?

What is the difference between ethics and morals?

The terms "ethics" and "morals" are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between them.

Ethics:

Ethics refers to the systematic study of what is right and wrong, good and bad. It is often applied in professional or philosophical contexts and is concerned with theoretical frameworks and principles that guide behavior. Ethics involves critical thinking and reasoning about how one should act in various situations.

Examples: Medical ethics, business ethics, legal ethics, etc., each with its own set of rules or guidelines that professionals in those fields are expected to follow.

Morals:

Morals, on the other hand, refer to the personal beliefs and principles that individuals hold about what is right and wrong. These are often influenced by culture, religion, family, or personal experiences. Morality is typically more about individual convictions and day-to-day decisions.

Examples: Believing it is wrong to lie, cheat, or steal based on personal beliefs or societal norms.

In summary:

Ethics is a broader, more formal study or system of principles used to guide actions, often within specific contexts or professions.

Morality is more personal and refers to an individual's own sense of right and wrong. Ethics often provides the theoretical framework, while morals reflect how individuals act according to those beliefs.