MODULE 3

TOPICS TO BE COVERED
 Difference between morality, ethics &values
 Significance of moral values

MORALITY
Morality is the human attempt to define what is right and wrong about our
actions and thoughts, and what is good and bad about our being who we are.
Morality speaks of a system of behavior in regards to standards of right or wrong
behavior. The word carries the concepts of:
(1) moral standards, with regard to behavior;
(2) moral responsibility, referring to our conscience; and
(3) a moral identity, or one who is capable of right or wrong action.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ETHICS AND MORALITY

Ethics and morality relates to “right” and “wrong” conduct. While they are
sometimes used interchangeably, they are different: ethics refer to rules
provided by an external source, e.g., codes of conduct in workplaces or
principles in religions. Morals refer to an individual’s own principles regarding
right and wrong.

Ethics Morality
What are they? The rules of conduct Principles or habits with
recognized in respect to respect to right or wrong
a particular class of conduct. While morals
human actions or a also prescribe dos and
particular group or don'ts, morality is
culture. ultimately a personal
compass of right and
wrong.
Where do they Social system - External Individual - Internal
come from?
Why we do it? Because society says it Because we believe in
is the right thing to do. something being right or
wrong.
Flexibility Ethics are dependent on Usually consistent,
others for definition. although can change if
They tend to be an individual’s beliefs
consistent within a change.
certain context, but can
vary between contexts.
The "Gray" A person strictly A Moral Person although
following Ethical perhaps bound by a
 Principles may not have higher covenant, may
any Morals at all. choose to follow a code
Likewise, one could of ethics as it would
violate Ethical Principles apply to a system.
within a given system of "Make it fit"
rules in order to
maintain Moral integrity.
Origin Greek word "ethos" Latin word "mos"
meaning"character" meaning "custom"
Acceptability Ethics are governed by Morality transcends
professional and legal cultural norms
guidelines within a
particular time and
place

MORAL VALUES
Morals are the social, cultural and religious beliefs or values of an individual or
group which tells us what is right or wrong. They are the rules and standards
made by the society or culture which is to be followed by us while deciding what
is right. Some moral principles are:

 Do not cheat
 Be loyal
 Be patient
 Always tell the truth
 Be generous
Morals refer to the beliefs what is not objectively right, but what is considered
right for any situation, so it can be said that what is morally correct may not be
objectively correct.

EXAMPLES
 If the son of a big politician has committed a crime and he uses his powers to
free his son from legal consequences. Then this act is immoral because the
politician is trying to save a culprit.
 A very close friend or relative of an interviewer comes for an interview and
without asking a single question, he selects him. This act is unethical
because the selection process must be transparent and unbiased.
 A grocer sells adulterated products to his customers to earn more profit. This
act is neither moral nor ethical because he is cheating his customers and
profession at the same time.

SIGNIFICANCE OF MORAL VALUES

All of us have grown up listening stories like ‘The Thirsty Crow’ , ‘The Fox and the
Grapes’, that always end up with a strong conclusion. We might have forgotten
those stories but their teachings someway or the other have contributed to what
we call our moral values. Moral values are the principles that guide us
throughout our lives. From childhood to adulthood we keep on learning and
transforming ourselves and so do our morals. Moral values are important in life
because:

 If a person has never learned about moral values then how can he/she decide
between the good and the bad.
 Moral values reflect an individual’s character and spirituality.
 They help in building good relationships in personal as well as professional
lives.
 They can help in eradicating problems like dishonesty, violence, cheating,
jealousy from one’s life.
 Not only this, they can counter bad influences in society like disregarding
women, child abuse, violence, crimes, agitations.
 They can help you deal with tough situations in life. They can be a key to self-
motivation.