20 Examples of Morals and Ethics (Tips for Students)

What are the examples of morals and ethics and what are the appropriate behaviours the society expects from you?

To find out the answer to those questions, here is an article that discusses examples of morals and ethics.

As individuals living within a society, we are expected to and should behave in an appropriate way. We often encounter moral and ethical issues here and there on a daily basis.

It’s a concerning issue in our society today. We often question the morals of some of the people we share a community with. We live in a world today where some individuals hold no regard for morals.

Let’s talk about morals with a simple definition of the term.

What Are Morals?

Morals refer to the social, cultural and religious beliefs of a group on what is right or wrong. Morals are the guiding principles and standards established by society or culture.

We are expected to follow certain moral principles as individuals living within society.

Society expects you to be an honest person with good morals. It expects you not to cheat, tell lies or be a dishonest person.

What Are Ethics?

According to Keydifferences.com, ethics is a branch of philosophy which deals with the principle of conduct of a group. Ethics serves as a guiding principle to identify what is good or bad.

As a responsible member of a community, you should live by some of the ethical principles which include honesty, respect, integrity, truthfulness, loyalty, and fairness.

Also Read: All you need to know about becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker

What Is the Difference Between Morals and Ethics?

Generally, there are examples and differences between morals and ethics. Although there is a similarity between the two words when they are defined, there are still differences.

Both morals and ethics were derived from Greek words. The former is derived from the Greek word “Mos” which simply means custom, while the latter is derived from a word known as “Ethikos” meaning character.

Here are the major differences between morals and ethics;

Morals refer to what is right or wrong, while ethics is about what is good or bad.
Morals are guidelines designed by society. A typical example is that we should always tell the truth. Ethics on the other hand are responses to a specific situation.
Ethics originated from the Greek word “Ethikos” which means character, while morals are derived from the Greek word “Mos” which means customs.
Morals do not apply to business but ethics is applicable in the business world.
Morals may vary from culture to culture and from society to society. Ethics remains the same irrespective of any society, religion, or culture.
Ethics are in no way expressed in the form of statements but morals are.
Because morals are designed by the group, you don’t have the option to think and select. You are only left with an option to accept or reject. On the other hand, you have the option to think or select the principles of life’s ethics.
Morals are usually concerned with principles of what is right or wrong, while ethics are concerned with right and wrong conduct.
Morals are usually dictated by society, religion or culture. Ethics are selected by individuals themselves.

What Are the Examples of Morals?

Moral decisions we make sometimes are based on our personal values. Being honest is one of the moral principles.

Moral principles also tell us not to cheat but sometimes people do that to gain an advantage. For instance, an individual who values success over honesty may decide to cheat to get whatever he or she wants.

Cheating is bad, but some people will prefer to cheat in a situation where it may determine a successful outcome.

Below are some examples of moral behaviours.

#1. Telling the Truth

Telling the truth is relieving and it builds truth. When you lie to people, you are simply disrespecting them. If people find out you have lying all along, it will be impossible for you to gain their trust ever again.

In some situations, telling the truth can be detrimental. But no matter how hard it is, it’s important we tell the truth. How else can we gain the truth of those around us without telling the truth?

You can only prove to people that you are honest by telling the truth.

Also Read: Complete Training Program for a Half Marathon

#2. Hard Work

Getting employed means that you agree to work for an employer and will fulfil the responsibility that comes with the job. You need to work hard within the hours of your shift.

When we are employed, we need to put in effort and work hard. This is what we owe our employer for giving us the opportunity and this is what is known as work ethics.

It will be unwise to sit around doing nothing at the office and expect to get paid. If you were employed to work for a specific number of hours, that is what you should do and not sit around doing nothing.

When you are promoted by your employer for your hard work that is known as an achieved status.

#3. Don’t Hurt the Feelings of Others

Being respectful and loyal are among the examples of morals and ethics. Respecting others also means respecting how they feel.

It’s important to tell the truth but sometimes telling the truth can be harmful. In situations where we need to be honest with others, it’s important we learn how to say the truth without hurting their feelings.

#4. Pay a Fair Price

It’s wicked to underpay an employee, knowing that the employee deserves a better paycheck. An individual who desperately needs a job may take a low-paid job.

It’s immoral for an employer to take advantage of such a situation. If someone takes a low-paid job because he or she needs a job so badly, the employer should pay the person a fair paycheck.

Everyone deserves to be paid equally, regardless of how desperate they may be to get a job.

#5. Do Unto Others

“Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself” is a rule commonly found in different religions worldwide.

These days it’s hard for people to forget when treat them badly. A good deed may be forgotten but bad ones are easily remembered. So, you may want to ask yourself a few questions.

Will I be happy if someone treated me in the same way am treating them? What will be my reaction if someone talks to me the same way I talk to others?

#6. Forgiveness

Although this may be difficult for someone to take in, it’s important we forgive those who have wronged us.

In different religions across the world, forgiveness is a central moral. Christianity teaches Christians to emulate the characters of Jesus Christ.

Christ came to earth for the sake of sinners. He forgave those who crucified him on the cross and this shows why it’s important to forgive people.

It’s hard sometimes to forgive those who have wronged us. But if you continue holding to that pain and anger, things will only get worse.

If someone wronged you and they apologize for it, you should forgive them.

#7. Fair Play

According to Helpfulprofessor.com, fair play ensures you don’t gain an unfair advantage over others during competition.

Talking about completion, we have seen several athletes ban to compete in a tournament because they used a ban substance. The game requires that all athletes compete and play fair.

Enhancing performance with ban substances is not allowed. Athletes using these ban substances are cheating.

Also Read: 20 Best Examples of Culture (Tips for Students)

#8. Respecting Others

Honesty and respect are among the examples of morals and ethics. We should always respect others, regardless of their age, race, or social background.

We also respect the culture, beliefs, or religion of others, even what they choose to eat as food.

Let’s also respect others by giving them personal space, asking for their permission and making sure we don’t speak to them rudely.

#9. Having Manners

We have talked about respect which is also similar to showing good manners when interacting with others. Anyone who was raised in a decent home should have good manners.

It shows you have good manners when you say thank you or please.

#10. Admit Faults

We are all humans who make mistakes at some point. No one is impeccable and making mistakes is a very common thing.

In other not to be seen as incompetent, some people choose to lie instead of admitting to their mistakes. It’s unwise when some people don’t want to admit to their fault.

When we make mistakes, we should take responsibility for our actions and apologize.

Examples of Ethics

We are still on the subject of examples of morals and ethics.

Here are some examples of ethical principles;

#11. Acceptance

Accepting things that are different is one of the ethical principles. When we respect the culture, religion, beliefs, and social backgrounds of others, there will be fewer problems within society.

When we see differences, then there is an issue of racism or xenophobia which are all unethical behaviours.

#12. Compassion

Being compassionate shows that you care about the well-being of others.

Being humane also requires putting someone out of their misery. For instance, a patient with a terminal disease may request euthanasia.

#13. Empathy

This is the ability which allows us to connect effectively with other people, to share and understand how they feel.

Showing empathy allows us to understand the emotions and behaviours of others.

#14. Respect

We should always respect others, regardless of their race, religion, social background, or beliefs. In some cultures, respect is valued, as younger individuals within society prostrate to greet elders or kings.

#15. Charity

Charity is an attitude of kindness and understanding towards others. It’s a virtue that involves benevolence towards other people who are less fortunate than ourselves.

#16. Justice

Justice defines the state or character of being just or fair and it’s also a virtue that states that every individual should receive the fair judgement and punishment they deserve.

Also Read: What Are the Sociological Concepts?

#17. Equality

Everyone within a society deserves to be treated equally, regardless of their race, religion, culture, social background, or beliefs.

#18. Transparency

This is an ethical principle that relates to being honest, fair and trustworthy.

You are not being transparent if you are an interviewer who selects his without asking a single question during the interview.

#19. Responsibility

Responsibility is the state of being accountable or responsible. It’s an ethical principle of every individual that understands the importance of fulfilment of achieved status.

#20. Integrity

Being honest involves having a behaviour that is ethical and moral. A person who values his integrity should always stand by his words.

Conclusion

We all know what is right or wrong and behaviours that show good morals. Society expects us to live by some of the common ethical principles. Morals are not strict rules, rather they are rules considered by a majority of people as right.

We hope this article on the examples of morals and ethics was helpful.