What is the difference between "Ethics" and "Morality"? What is the difference between "Ethics" and "Morality"? In present word usage the term "ethics" is often used interchangeably with the word "morals" or "morality". That the two have become virtual synonyms is a sign of the confusion which permeates the modern ethical scene. Historically, the two words have quite distinctive meanings. Ethics: - "Ethics" comes from the Greek"ethos", which derived from the root word meaning "stall" - a place for horses. It conveyed the sense of a dwelling place, a place of stability and permanence.
- Ethics deal with "ought-ness" - as they describe what people ought to do.
- Ethics is a Normative Science - meaning that it is concerned with searching for the principal foundations that prescribe obligations or "ought-ness" of behavior.
Morals: - Morality comes from the word "mores" which describes the behavioral patterns of a given society.
- Morality deal with "is-ness" - as they describe what people actually do.
- Morality is a Descriptive Science - meaning that it is concerned with describing the normality or "is-ness" of behavior.
Understanding the potentially confusing differences between "Ethics" and "Morality" can certainly help one assess and discuss social ideas and principles in a well informed manner. From a Christian point of view - we should ensure that ideas or principles that we consider as "ethical" not only meet society's "standards" but more importantly meet God's standards - standards sometimes specified in His word, sometimes implied in the principles of His word, but always requiring the superiority of wisdom provided by God. Proverbs 2:6 - For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Taken From Ethics And The Christian by RC Sproul.
6:41:09 PM 
|
