Final answer:
Morality and ethics are distinct: morality is a societal code of what's right and wrong, while ethics analyzes these principles. Philosophy and research suggest morality is also influenced by biological and cultural factors, not just theology. The answer is B) False.
Step-by-step explanation:
Though often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, morality and ethics are not synonymous. Morality refers to a societal code of conduct that governs what is considered right and wrong within a culture. These moral codes are a reflection of the cultural understandings at a specific time and place. Conversely, ethics pertains to the philosophical study of morality, where one analyzes the principles that define what is ethical or unethical behavior. A person is ethical if they act in accordance with the basic principles of moral conduct that are recognized in a particular philosophical or religious tradition.
In the context of individual belief systems, some associate morality strongly with theological beliefs, suggesting that religious morality might supersede secular ethics due to a belief in rewards or punishments in an afterlife. However, research shows that morality is connected to brain structures, functions, and cultural upbringing. Philosophers throughout history, such as Socrates, have sought a third alternative to moral absolutism and cultural relativism, attempting to establish universal ethical principles beyond societal or mythopoetic definitions of morality.
The correct answer is B) False. Morality and ethics are distinct concepts; morality is a social construct while ethics refers to the theoretical framework that examines these moral norms.