How to Make Ethical Decisions
Ethics and morals relate to “right” and “wrong” conduct. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, there are differences.
While morals are concerned with principles of right and wrong in general, ethics are related to right and wrong conduct of an individual in a particular situation. Whereas morals are customs established by a group of individuals, ethics defines the character of the individual. While morals represent what a person, group, or society believes people should do, ethics are guiding principles that help the individual or group decide what is good or bad. Morals are expressed in the form of general rules and statements. Ethics are abstract. They need context to decide what is right or wrong.
Distinguishing Between Ethics and Morals
Moral principles include, among others:
- Always tell the truth.
- Do not cheat.
- Do not steal from others.
- Treat others fairly.
- Be kind to others.
- Respect others.
Ethical guiding principles include the following:
- Truthfulness
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Fairness
- Respect
- Kindness
- Empathy
- Loyalty
One way to understand the difference is to think of it this way. Ethics leans toward decisions based upon individual character and the more subjective understanding of right and wrong by each individual, whereas morals emphasize the widely held communal or societal norms about right and wrong.
The Golden Rule
The Golden Rule is primarily considered an ethical principle. It embodies a moral guideline that suggests treating others as one would like to be treated oneself. This concept is often referred to as the ethics of reciprocity and is found in various religious and philosophical traditions, emphasizing fairness and empathy in interpersonal relationships.
As the California Learning Resource Network says, “The Golden Rule predates its explicit articulation in the Abrahamic religions.” Greek philosophical thought, particularly through figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, emerged around the 6th century BCE and laid the groundwork for ethical considerations in society. “Traces can be found in ancient Egyptian texts, Confucianism, and Greek philosophy. Aristotle, for instance, emphasized virtue ethics, advocating for actions that contribute to overall human flourishing (eudaimonia). Although he didn’t explicitly state the Golden Rule, his emphasis on reciprocal relationships and justice aligns with its core principles.”
Ethics refers to standards and practices that tell us how human beings ought to act in the many situations in which they find themselves—as friends, parents, children, citizens, businesspeople, professionals, and so on. Ethics is also concerned with our character. It requires knowledge, skills, and habits.
It is helpful to identify what ethics is NOT. According to the Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics,
- Ethics is not the same as feelings.
- Ethics is not the same as religion.
- Ethics is not the same thing as following the law.
- Ethics is not the same as following culturally accepted norms.
- Ethics is not science.
What to Do if Faced with Conflicting Values
Rushworth Kidder was an influential American author and ethicist. Kidder founded the Institute for Global Ethics in 1990, focusing on moral courage and ethical decision-making. He identifies four primary types of ethical dilemmas that individuals often face. These dilemmas arise from conflicting values and can be categorized as follows:
- Truth vs. Loyalty
This dilemma involves choosing between honesty and maintaining loyalty to a person or organization. For example, an employee may discover unethical practices and must decide whether to report them or remain loyal to their employer. - Individual vs. Community
This type focuses on the conflict between personal rights and the welfare of the community. An example is when an individual’s actions may benefit themselves but harm the larger community. - Short-Term vs. Long-Term
Here, the challenge is to balance immediate benefits against future consequences. For instance, a company might choose to cut costs now at the expense of long-term sustainability. - Justice vs. Mercy
This dilemma pits fairness against compassion. A classic scenario is when a judge must decide between enforcing the law strictly or showing leniency based on personal circumstances.
As Kidder says, “these frameworks help individuals navigate complex moral decisions by clarifying the competing values at play.”
Applying Ethics and Morals in Practice
One question that I always get from my students is whether it is ever acceptable to violate ethical standards. There are such examples from literature. Take the Anne Frank situation. She hid out in the attic of a non-Jewish family to escape the Nazis. If you were living in that household, and a Nazi came knocking on the door asking whether you know where is Anne Frank, would you tell them the truth? The challenge here is that two ethical principles conflict. We are told to always tell the truth but we are also expected to be kind to others. In such cases, the Golden Rule is instructive.
I always tell my students to think of ethics in a more simplistic way, unless we are discussing the great philosophers. One good perspective is to ask: ‘How would you act if your behavior was being observed?’
A Moment of Silence
Currently, 12 states mandate a moment of silence in public schools. Additionally, 25 other states encourage it. For example, the Kentucky Senate considered the following in adopting its law:
“After the Pledge of Allegiance each day, students [will] be pausing for a moment of silence,” said Sara Crum, superintendent of Jessamine County Schools. “During that time, students can choose to pray; they can choose to meditate, reflect on the day before or even just mentally prepare for the day ahead.” The law aims to provide a peaceful and focused start to the school day while respecting students’ individual beliefs.
The sponsor of the legislation, Senator Rick Girdler says: “I acknowledge that there are differing opinions on this issue, but the core goal of this law is to promote a peaceful, respectful and focused start to the day,” It is my belief that this small act of quiet reflection can help students grow emotionally, mentally and spiritually while enhancing their ability to succeed in the classroom. We all want the best for our children, and this law is a step toward ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive both in and outside the classroom.”
We live in a society today where ethics and morals take a back seat to doing what one wants to do; doing what’s best for the individual; and a loss of community and considering the wellbeing of others. I believe we have morphed into a narcissist culture where everyone pursues their self-interest above all else, rather than what could advance society into one that values ethical behavior, compassion, and love for each other.
Blog posted by Steven Mintz, PhD, professor emeritus from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, on May 26, 2026. Visit Steve’s website to find out more about his activities.