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Difference Between Ethics and Ethos -Study Their Comparison and Similarities!

Last Updated on Jun 28, 2023
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Difference Between Ethics and Ethos - Study Their Comparison and Similarities!

The difference Between Ethics and Ethos is related to the distinction between right and wrong, a person’s ideology, and their beliefs. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with identifying, defending, recommending, and advising conceptions of appropriate and inappropriate conduct. Ethos is a term used to define the core values or beliefs that support a society, a country, or an ideology. 

The Difference Between Ethics and Ethos is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the General Studies Paper-4 syllabus.

In this article, we shall study in detail the similarities and differences between ethics and ethos for UPSC.

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Download Ethics UPSC Notes with this link!

Difference Between Ethics and Ethos

The two words ethos and ethics are related linguistically and share a common history. However, these two words have different uses in the modern world. Check out the difference between ethics and ethos in the tabular form given below.

Difference Between Ethics and Ethos 

Ethics

Ethos

Ethics is derived from the greek origin word “Ethikos” which implies relating to one’s character.

Ethos is the root word of “Ethikos” which implies the character and morality of an individual.

Ethics is a component of moral philosophy. It refers to a set of principles around which an institution is built.

Ethos is a characteristic that adds cohesiveness to a group. It facilitates the separation of one character or sentiment from another.

Definitions of terms like “good” and “wrong,” “virtue” and “vice,” and “justice” and “crime” are used in ethics to try and answer morality-related concerns.

Ethos is the core principle that can affect attitudes, feelings, and even morals.

Ethics possesses universal nature. They are accepted universally and the same set of rules is followed by everyone.

Ethos is not universal, however, they possess a customized meaning and value. Ethos shows the real nature of people.

Ethics may also refer to a characteristic human capacity for philosophically relevant ethical considerations.

One of the three methods of persuasion is ethos, the other being logos and pathos.

The following would be an example of the use of “Ethics”: Honesty, devotion, dependability, kindness, etc.

The term “ethos” can be used to describe ethnic attire or any regional cultural activity.

Check out the article on Top Selling 6 Best Ethics Books for UPSC General Studies Paper 4 with this link!

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Ethics

The word "ethics" comes from the Greek word "ethos," which means "character" or "custom." As a result, the concept of "ethics" combines the ethos's meaning with the term's more broad definition. Ethics is a term used to describe a set of moral standards or moral rules that apply to a certain group of people or institutions. Ethics, therefore, differ depending on the individual, his social background, etc. Ethics, on the other hand, establishes what is morally correct and widely accepted. For instance, a society's ethics are shaped by its norms, customs, and religious beliefs.

Hence, in this instance, ethos directly impacts how ethics are developed. However, what is typically called ethics are generally accepted ethics, such as moral ethics, etc. "Ethics" is frequently called a "moral road map." They come into play anytime divisive topics are raised that prompt you to reconsider your perception in light of your principles. Each person has moral principles that were either developed by their teachers, parents or, in some cases, through self-education. An increased understanding of moral dilemmas is provided through the map of ethics.

Ethos

The Greek word ethos means "character" or "custom," respectively. Aristotle first used this phrase to describe a man's thinking or character as a union of enthusiasm and caution. On the other hand, the ethos of today refers to the guiding principles and values that differentiate a person, society, or organisation from others.

  • There are two types of Ethos: Intrinsic Ethos and Extrinsic Ethos.
    • The way someone presents oneself wholly through their actions, including how they approach persuasion and negotiation, is what is known as their intrinsic ethos.
    • Extrinsic ethos also comes from those who represent authority, morality, and the voice of experience.

Therefore, "ethos" usually means the fundamental set of attitudes, beliefs, and values that provide an individual, community, institution, etc., a sense of identity. For instance, a person's character identity in a society reflects how societal customs, norms, and religious convictions have shaped their outlook on life.

Similarity Between Ethics And Ethos

Apart from the differences between ethics and ethos. There are many similarities between them. The similarities between ethics and ethos are discussed below.

  • Ethics and Ethos are both terms that have Greek origins.
  • Each person aspires to both ethos and ethics.
  • Ethos and ethical qualities both improve society as a whole.
  • Both ethics and ethos are connected to an individual’s subjective beliefs.
  • Both ethics and ethos are members of the same language family.
  • Both ethics and ethos help a person make moral decisions with moral outcomes.

Conclusion

The primary difference between ethics and ethos is that while ethos refers to a system of customs, attitudes, and beliefs, ethics refers to a set of moral principles. Ethos is derived from the root of the term ethics. While ethos refers to a person’s character, a community’s views, or an institution’s ideas, ethics are moral principles that can be used as direction for an individual, society, or institution. This is the key contrast between ethos and ethics. When comparing the two, we must give each word a strong feeling of individuality because their definitions are very subjective and dependent on the experiences of each individual. Values and morality will always be debatable since, as time goes on and circumstances change, people’s perceptions of what is right and wrong have drastically altered.

Previous Year UPSC Questions on the Difference Between Ethics and Ethos

Q 1 Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and policies), and social harmony. (2020)

Q 2 Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (2016)

Difference Between Ethics and Ethos – Study Their Comparison and Similarities: Download PDF Here!

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Difference Between Ethics and Ethos FAQs

While ethos refers to the character of the attitudes and beliefs of a particular person, community, or institution, ethics are moral principles that can be utilized as guidance for an individual, culture, society, or organization.

Both ethos and ethical traits make society a better place to live. Both of these phrases originated in the thoughts of someone with good intentions. The word "ethos" has an ethical connotation.

Yes, ethos and ethics are related to each other. The word "ethics" comes from the Greek word "ethikos," which means "related to one's character," and "ethos," which means "tendency," "custom," or "personality."

Ethics is a moral branch of philosophy that sets out the between right and wrong behavior. Ethos, on the other hand, promotes unity and is perfect for any organization, society, culture, country, or community. Therefore, the function of ethics set apart it from ethos.

The three concepts of ethics are respect for people, beneficence, and justice, these concepts are commonly acknowledged in our cultural tradition and are particularly important to the ethics of research involving human subjects.
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