ethics and morals is the study of moral principles, while morality is a system of principles that dictate what should be good or bad social behavior. In other words, morality is a kind of guide of standards of behavior to follow, while ethics is the study of those standards.
There are many examples of ethical and moral principles in our daily lives. Below is a list of some of them.
Examples of ethical principles
ethics and morals principles are based on ideals of conduct and are important because they allow us to live in society in a more harmonious way. These are some of the most important principles for living better:
1. Respect
Respect is the consideration we have for others, regardless of their condition, age, gender or way of thinking. Respecting others is recognizing their existence and valuing their humanity. Therefore, respect is one of the fundamental ethical principles for social coexistence.
When we treat our parents with consideration, when we help our siblings or peers, we are acting with respect.
2. Justice
Justice is an ethical principle that applies to treating all people equally, giving each person what they deserve. From a legal perspective, justice establishes a legal framework that serves as a reference for establishing harmonious and balanced relationships between the members of a society.
When a person harms another and is punished according to legal norms, justice is being done.
3. Honesty
The principle of honesty requires acting with integrity. An honest person says and does what is right because it is the right thing to do and because he or she is considering the common good above his or her own.
An example of honesty is returning a wallet to someone who dropped it on the street.
4. Tolerance
Tolerance is respect for ideas, opinions and beliefs that are contrary or different from our own. Tolerance does not imply agreeing, but rather understanding that each person has the right to express their convictions.
For example, in the same family they can support different political movements, and if tolerance prevails, that should not affect the relationships between its members.
5. Responsibility
Acting responsibly means taking responsibility for the consequences of our actions. When we do something that brings us a positive outcome, it’s easy for us to take credit for it. But when our actions are wrong, it can be difficult to acknowledge and accept the consequences.
For example, when a student does not prepare for an exam and fails, he or she must assume the consequences that this action entails (repeat the exam, repeat the semester, etc.).
6. Truth
Truth is the relationship between what is expressed and the reality of the facts. Truth is the basis of solid interpersonal and social relationships and is an indispensable ethical principle in a society that aspires to transparency at all levels. For example, a child breaks something, the mother asks who did it, and the child says it was him.
7. Integrity
The principle of integrity refers to acting in a morally correct manner. For example, if we find an object and return it to its owner, we are acting with integrity.
8. Compassion
It is the understanding of another’s suffering, accompanied by some action that allows the situation to be alleviated temporarily or permanently.
For example, an unemployed person explains his situation on social media, and in response, many people express solidarity and offer him employment.
9. Equity
Equity is an ethical principle that involves giving each individual what they deserve based on their status or merits. For example, when a student is given extra time to complete an exam because of a physical or cognitive condition that prevents them from performing as well as their peers.
10. Freedom
Freedom is an ethical principle that manifests itself in the ability of people to express themselves and act according to their convictions. However, the exercise of freedom is not unlimited: it requires acting responsibly and with respect for the freedom of others. Only in this way is it possible to live harmoniously in society.
An example of this ethical principle is freedom of expression, enshrined as a universal human right.
11. Commitment
Commitment refers to fulfilling the obligations we have undertaken, regardless of the obstacles that may arise. For example, a doctor must always arrive early for surgery. If he is late or does not show up, the well-being and even the lives of his patients may be in danger.
12. Transparency
Transparency is expressed in the clarity of our intentions and actions. In the field of public administration, transparency is a principle that implies access to information and decisions of officials, as long as it is not contrary to the law. For example, a governor showing how he has managed state resources is a form of transparency.
13. Empathy
It is the ability to understand the feelings and needs of others. Empathy is the basis of compassion, since by putting ourselves in the other’s place, we can help them more efficiently to alleviate their suffering.
For example, a mother sees her son crying because he wants to go out and play and can’t. She understands her son’s need to want to be outdoors and have fun, so she can understand how he feels.
14. Loyalty
It is being consistent in the feeling or commitment we have with a person, group or institution. For example, we are loyal to our friends when we encourage them and support them in difficult times because we feel appreciation for them. We are loyal to our partner when we respect the fidelity pact that has been previously established.
15. Impartiality
Acting impartially means avoiding favoring any position, way of thinking or acting. In other words, being impartial requires acting fairly and objectively, always keeping in mind the common good.
In a football game, for example, the referee must be impartial, regardless of his preferences for one team or another.
16. Equality
It is the recognition that all people have the same rights and must fulfill the same obligations, regardless of our race, gender, age, educational level, social status, etc. Equality is a universal human right and is one of the bases of justice.
For example, migrants have the right to access public health in their host country.
17. Solidarity
It is an ethical principle that is manifested when we support those who are in a difficult situation. A very common example of solidarity is fundraising campaigns on social networks to support various causes.
18. Charity
It means acting with the well-being of others or the collective in mind. When we act ethically, our actions should be aimed at doing good. And if they only benefit us, at least they should not harm others.
For example, in medical ethics, the principle of beneficence involves recommending surgeries, treatments, or medications that result in a benefit or improvement in the patient’s health.
19. Altruism
This ethical principle is expressed in the act of helping others selflessly, especially if they are in a disadvantaged situation. An example of altruism are organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, whose members help victims of natural or man-made disasters.
Examples of morality
Moral systems vary from culture to culture and can change over time. In any case, they are guides for social conduct. Some examples of morality in everyday life may be:
1. Treat others as we want to be treated
Also known as the “golden rule,” it is an example of essential morals that we should all put into practice on a daily basis. It is as simple as if we want to be respected, we have to start by respecting those around us. If we want to be honest with us, we must show honesty in our actions, etc.
2. Behave appropriately in public
Every space has its own codes of conduct: home, work, school. Adhering to these rules is a way of showing respect for others and creating a harmonious environment for everyone.
3. Be supportive of those in need
Every day we witness situations in which other people are in a situation of emotional, physical, economic, etc. vulnerability. One way to put morality into practice is to offer our support, to the extent of our possibilities, to help others.
Solidarity is very visible when there are situations of public unrest, but it is something we can keep in mind every day with those who need it.
4. Pay off debts
It seems like a very obvious thing, but for some people it is difficult to fulfill their financial commitments. When we borrow something (especially money), our moral duty is to return it. It is the right way to show that we are capable of keeping our word, to generate trust in the other person and to reciprocate the help that they gave us.
5. Tell the truth
When we tell the truth we are demonstrating our respect for others and our commitment to honesty. The truth is not always pleasant or comfortable, but transparency in our actions is necessary to establish relationships of trust with those around us.
6. Respect institutions and authorities
Every society has its own governmental, social and religious institutions and authorities that represent them. Respecting them means complying with their rules, as long as they are for the benefit of society and do not infringe upon fundamental human rights. It also means respecting the laws in force, exercising our rights and fulfilling our obligations.
7. Honor our parents
Honoring, caring for, and respecting our parents, grandparents, and those involved in our upbringing is not only a moral duty, but is even a legal obligation in countries like China. Looking after the well-being of our parents or guardians, especially in old age, is a way of repaying the dedication they gave us.
8. Treat all people equally
We are all equal, regardless of our origin, socioeconomic level, culture, etc. Equality of people is a universal human right, and we put it into practice every day when we treat with education, respect, empathy and tolerance both those close to us and those we do not know.
9. Take care of public spaces and property
Public spaces and assets (squares, parks, schools, libraries, hospitals, etc.) were designed to promote social well-being. When someone damages public property, they are depriving someone else of the opportunity to use it. A school with broken toilets or blackboards can soon leave many students without the right to education, so it is important to keep public property in good condition.
10. Respect and help older people
Older people do not only deserve respect because of their age. They deserve respect because they are human beings, and being older, they probably have some physical or cognitive limitations to function normally. Therefore, by helping and respecting them we are recognizing their dignity, their value and their place in society.
11. Protect children
Childhood is a stage that requires love, care and support. Protecting children and minors means that society as a whole must recognize their rights, treat them with respect, ensure their basic needs, ensure they have access to health and education, report abuse, etc.
When parents make sure their children are healthy and go to school, they are protecting them. When teachers recognize and encourage children’s abilities, they are recognizing their worth as individuals.
12. Give priority to the elderly, children and vulnerable people in an emergency situation
In the face of a risky situation, a moral standard is to first assist those who are in a more vulnerable situation, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women or people with disabilities. It is a moral practice that protects those who, for various reasons, cannot act for themselves in an emergency.
13. Always act with honesty
Being honest is a moral practice that not only guarantees good relations with those around us, but is also one of the foundations of a developed society. Honesty implies transparency in our actions, therefore, an honest person is someone who can be trusted.
14. Be tolerant of those who think differently
People do not always agree on our ideas or beliefs. This diversity is valuable because it enriches life in society by providing different points of view. Therefore, it is important to be tolerant and respect those who do not think like us. Being tolerant implies recognizing the other as an equal who has the same rights and obligations as us.
15. Be loyal to our loved ones
Being loyal means respecting, caring for and honoring the people with whom we have a bond. We are loyal to our family when we act for the benefit of all its members, we are loyal to our coworkers when we work as a team for a common goal and resolve our differences in a respectful manner. Being loyal requires respect and transparency.
16. Do not take what does not belong to us
When we take something without permission, we are breaking several moral standards: we are not being honest, nor respectful, nor are we considering the person from whom we have taken something. Even if it is a temporary action (because we plan to return it), we always need the other person’s permission to take something that is not ours.
Taking what is not ours is stealing. And that is not only a moral fault, but a crime.
17. Do not force an action without another person’s consent
If we need another person to do something, they must give us their consent to do it, that is, they must express their will clearly. Otherwise, we are violating their right to decide.
In a relationship, for example, the consent of the other person is always required, because involving them in something without having expressed their will can even be a crime, depending on the severity of the case.
18. Preserve health in public spaces
When we use public spaces, we are exposed to contracting an infectious disease, but we can also infect others if we have one, even if we do not have symptoms. Therefore, if you have an infectious disease that can be easily transmitted to other people, stay at home until you have passed the infectious period. This way you protect yourself and the community.
Conclusion: ethics and morals
In conclusion, ethics and morals serve as crucial frameworks for navigating the complexities of human life. While ethics often refers to formalized rules and standards, morals are more personal and subjective. Together, they influence our choices, foster social cohesion, and promote a sense of responsibility. Understanding their interplay can help individuals and societies cultivate a more just and compassionate world.
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