Ethics and Morality

The difference between ethics and morals can seem somewhat arbitrary to many, but there is a basic, albeit subtle, difference. Morals define personal character, while ethics stress a social system in which those morals are applied. In other words, ethics point to standards or codes of behavior expected by the group to which the individual belongs. This could be national ethics, social ethics, company ethics, professional ethics, or even family ethics. So while a person’s moral code is usually unchanging, the ethics he or she practices can be other-dependent.
When considering the difference between ethics and morals, it may be helpful to consider a criminal lawyer. Though the lawyer’s personal moral code likely finds murder immoral and reprehensible, ethics demand the accused client be defended as vigorously as possible, even when the lawyer knows the party is guilty and that a freed defendant would potentially lead to more crime. Legal ethics must override personal morals for the greater good of upholding a justice system in which the accused are given a fair trial and the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Pride and Ego

While in the class today on 'Strategic Business Negotiation, a student asked the professor the difference between pride and ego.I have been able to reflect on the issue.Here is the answer.....Pride in oneself is a positive feeling that a person has when he thinks about his achievements. It is necessary for all of us to be proud of ourselves. You could be proud of the fact that you have topped all the courses the you have done till now.Ego on the contrary is a negative feeling. Pride results into ego when the focus shifts from 'skills' to 'self'.If a person starts thinking that he is the best and all others are inferior to him because of the skills that he has, pride has slowly mutated into ego which is a dangerous thing. I have found that the initial step towards self growth lies in controlling one's ego.