Approach:
. Introduce by defining both the terms.
. Discuss the complimentary and conflicting relationship between both ethics and morality with an example.
. Conclude accordingly
Answer:
Ethics are a set of moral principles imposed by society on itself to regulate the behaviour of individuals. It means what society thinks is fair, just and reasonable. It has a group/collective connotation. It is a certain code of conduct- Religious or Professional.
Morality has an individual connotation. It is the inner conscience of an individual, the value system of an individual. ( individual preferences.)
The Parallel/Complimentary relationship between Ethics and Morality:
Both help to differentiate between good and bad; right and wrong. There are universal values of love, care, respect of elders which conform to both morality and ethics.
Individual through socialization inculcates social values. Example- Child marriage is wrong as per societal standards and the individual also believes in the same;
E g2-organization want corruption free atmosphere and also the individuals prefer merit system devoid of corruption.
The conflicting nature of the relationship between Ethics and Morality:
Although both ethics and morality do have a complementary relationship there are many examples and references which clearly establishes the conflicting relationship between the two.
For example-
1. Religious issues- triple talaq(gender equality vs patriarchy) where both individual and societal preferences differ.
2. LGBT- individuals may accept this(morality) but society may not accept it,(ethics)
3. Medical/Legal- Code of conduct. Even a terrorist has to be treated medically if he is hurt. Also, Legal help has to be provided to him. Bound by contract. So even though individual morality may not want to help a wrongdoer but societal values(ethics)provide for a fair trial and hence the doctor will treat a terrorist as a normal patient.
A lot of other examples can be provided with both for conflict and complimentary case.
Conclusion-
But if it is practised since long doesn”t make it right. Eg. temple entry, Dalit atrocities. So, both ethics and morality should learn from each other to move towards progressive values. Morality of Rajaram Mohun Roy led to Sati ban though it was widely accepted as a societal value at those times.