Final answer:
Morality is a cultural and social construct dictating right and wrong. Ethics is a system of moral principles guiding how one should act transcending cultural variances. Ethics involves critical reflection on morality and includes various ethical frameworks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Morals Versus Ethics
Morality and ethics, although closely related, are distinct concepts that guide human behavior in society. Morality refers to a social phenomenon and comprises the beliefs about what is right and wrong behavior, deeply influenced by the cultural and social norms of a society. These are the mores and values that inform how an individual conducts themselves, with a view toward cultural acceptance. On the other hand, ethics refers to the system of principles that helps us to define what we ought to do and the kind of person we want to be. Ethics is often associated with the study of moral principles and involves critical reflection on what ought to be done in a moral sense.
Moreover, while morality may differ from culture to culture, ethical principles seek to transcend these variations to establish guidelines that can apply universally, much like mathematical truths. However, moral relativism challenges this notion by suggesting that ethical principles are also subject to cultural differences. Additionally, different frameworks within ethics guide moral behavior such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics, each with its unique perspective on ethical conduct.
In conclusion, although there's a propensity to conflate these two terms, it is crucial to recognize that morality is the social fabric of right and wrong, while ethics is the philosophical reflection on how we ought to act and live our lives.