Ethics and Morality

Before specifying the ethical codes in professional dance, I came across an article that describes ethics as well as morality and their relation between each other.

Ethics- derives from the Greek word ‘Ethos’ which means feeling at home in a certain place, where various customs and habits are observed

Morality- derives from the Latin word ‘mos’ or ‘mores’ which refers to a community with certain established customs.

Therefore there is a distinct similarity between the two. However in our modern days, ethics and moral values relate to theory and practice respectfully.

Ethics is known as the theory part with various concepts and ethical standards/codes. Whereas morality is the ‘practice’ of these ethics making ethics ‘ a reflection on morality as the whole of our attitudes and moral convictions.’ (Malitowska A. 2012) We can justify that our moral views might not be all that appropriate for every situation, and so these two terms are vital to exist in conjunction in order to allow ethics and moral values to work.

The concept of ethics and morality applies not just individually but also in a professional environment; professional morals are viewed as practice to the related professional ethics.  

Professional ethics comes into play when we give thought to the principles of our workplace where there are certain expectations (that represent our profession) are to be met. In order for this to operate, ethical behaviors and attitudes are needed.

The knowledge about actual professionals and their real situations help to distinguish what is recommended, ordered and prohibited, what is right or wrong. Codes can be drawn up from this analysis, this is where ethical codes are created. They act as a guidance, to see what is expected. They clarify the difference of what can or should be private/public. Once known, they are put into practice where morality is thus shown and learnt as a professional and individual.   

Internet reference: http://www.dancearchives.net/2012/08/13/anna-malitowska-dancers-professional-ethics/