Ethics 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 to behavioral rules to follow, while ethics is the study of those rules.
There are many examples of ethical and moral principles in our daily life. Below is a list of some of them.
Examples of ethical principles
Ethical principles are based on ideals of conduct and are important because they allow us to live in society more harmoniously. These are some of the most important principles to live better:
1. Respect
Respect is the consideration we have for others, regardless of their condition, age, gender or way of thinking. To respect others is to acknowledge their existence and value their humanity. For this reason, respect is one of the fundamental ethical principles for social coexistence.
When we treat our parents with consideration, when we help our siblings or partners, we are acting with respect.
2. Justice
Justice is an ethical principle that is applied when treating all people equally, giving each one what corresponds to him. From the point of view of law, justice establishes a legal framework that serves as a reference to establish harmonious and balanced relationships between the members of a society.
When a person harms another and is punished according to what the legal norms establish, justice is being done.
3. Honesty
The principle of honesty requires acting with rectitude. An honest person says and does the right thing because it is what corresponds and because, in addition, he is considering the common good above his 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 contrary to or different from ours. To tolerate does not imply agreeing, but 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 relations between its members.
5. Liability
Acting responsibly is taking responsibility for the consequences of our actions. When doing something that brings us a positive result, it is very easy for us to show up and take credit for it. But when our actions are not correct, it can be difficult to recognize and accept the consequences.
For example, when a student does not prepare for an exam and fails, they have to assume the consequences that this action implies (retake the exam, repeat the semester, etc.).
6. Truth
The 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 essential 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 by doing the right thing, according to what morality dictates. For example, if we find an object and hand it over to its owner, we are acting with integrity.
8. Compassion
It is the understanding of the suffering of others, accompanied by some action that allows to alleviate the situation temporarily or permanently.
For example, an unemployed person explains his situation on social networks, and in response, many people express solidarity and offer him a job.
9. Equity
Equity is an ethical principle that implies giving each individual what corresponds to him according to his condition or his merits. For example, when a student is given extra time to complete an exam, due to a physical or cognitive condition that prevents them from performing in the same way 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 then 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
The commitment refers to fulfilling the obligations we have contracted, regardless of the obstacles that may arise. For example, a doctor should always arrive early for surgery. If you are late or do not show up, the well-being and even the lives of your 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 the decisions of officials, as long as it is not contrary to the law. For example, for a governor to show how he has administered state resources is a form of transparency.
13. Empathy
It is the ability to understand the feelings and needs of the other. Empathy is the basis of compassion, since by putting ourselves in another’s place, we can help them more efficiently to alleviate their suffering.
For example, the mother sees her son crying because he wants to go out to play and cannot. 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 and support them through difficult times because we appreciate them. We are loyal to our partner when we respect the fidelity pact that they have 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 taking into account the common good.
In a soccer 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 condition, etc. Equality is a universal human right and is one of the bases of justice.
For example, migrants have the right to have access to public health in their host country.
17. Solidarity
It is an ethical principle that manifests itself when we support those who are in a difficult situation. A very common example of solidarity are fundraising campaigns on social networks to support various causes.
18. Charity
It means acting considering the welfare of the other or the collective. When we act ethically, our actions should be geared towards 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 generate a benefit or improve the patient’s health.
19. Altruism
This ethical principle is expressed in the action of selflessly helping others, especially if they are in a disadvantaged situation. An example of altruism are organizations like Doctors Without Borders, whose members help victims of natural or human disasters.
See also Core Ethical Values (and their examples)
moral examples
Moral systems vary according to each culture and can be modified over time. In any case, they are guides for social conduct. Some examples of morality in everyday life can be:
1. Treat others as we want to be treated
Also known as the “golden rule”, it is an example of essential morality that we must all put into practice on a daily basis. It’s as simple as if we want to be respected, we have to start by respecting those around us. If we want them to be honest with us, we must show honesty in our actions, etc.
2. Behave appropriately in public
Each space has its own codes of conduct: home, work, school. Adhering to those rules is a way of showing respect for others and creating a harmonious environment for everyone.
3. Show solidarity with those who need it
Every day we witness situations in which other people are in a situation of emotional, physical, economic vulnerability, etc. One way to put morality into practice is to offer our support, to the best of our ability, to help others.
Solidarity is very visible when there are situations of public commotion, but it is something that we can keep in mind on a daily basis with those who need it.
4. Pay off debts
It seems like something very obvious, but for some people it is difficult to meet their financial commitments. When we borrow something (especially money), our moral duty is to pay it back. It is the correct way to show that we are capable of keeping our word, of generating trust in the other and of reciprocating with the help that they have given us.
5. Tell the truth
When we tell the truth we are demonstrating our respect for the other and our commitment to honesty. The truth is not always pleasant or comfortable, but the transparency of 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 some authorities that represent them. Respecting them means abiding by their rules, as long as they are for the benefit of society and do not harm 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 people involved in our upbringing is not only a moral duty, but is even a legal obligation in countries like China. Ensuring the well-being of our parents or representatives, especially in old age, is a way of repaying the dedication they gave us.
8. Treat all people equally
All people are 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 our close environment and those we don’t know with education, respect, empathy and tolerance.
9. Take care of public spaces and goods
Public spaces and assets (squares, parks, schools, libraries, hospitals, etc.) were designed to promote social welfare. When someone damages public property, they are taking away another person’s ability to use it. A school with broken toilets or blackboards can very soon leave many students without the right to education, which is why it is important to keep public assets in good condition.
10. Respect and help older people
Old people…