Ethics, morals and values each plays an intricate role in our lives, but may not necessarily play equal roles. Values tend to be internal, individual beliefs or standards; guiding principles in one’s personal life. For instance, an individual values usually involve an emotional investment either for or against something that is valuable or important. Ethics and morals are often used interchangeably; both relating to right and wrong conduct; the framework of acceptable behavior. In his article, On Values, Ethics, Morals and Principles, Paul Chippendale’s short answer simply states that “values motivate, morals and ethics constrain”; in other words values are an individual’s lifestyle priorities, while morals and ethics propose what is or is not considered appropriate behaviour in living one's life (Chippendale, 2001).
Values are typically personal and subjective; morals tend to be social, universal and objective; and ethics are generally judgmental and formal (professional). Values are the bridge by which someone makes decisions concerning right or wrong whereas morals will be the compass of right and wrong. Although foundational values are taught by parents, teachers and society, an individual will decide which values are more or less important to their own life. Some examples of values are honesty, hard work, financial security, efficiency, love, respect, compassion and success/achievement. Values which can be lifetime priorities or change with time or need will mold a person’s behavior and may determine what an individual will do with their life, however it will not determine how. For instance, if an individual’s first priority value is success/achievement, this individual will be very goal-oriented and he or she will be motivated to do whatever they can do to achieve this success. Although an individual may be motivated to be successful, his or her morals and ethics will govern just how far they are willing to go to achieve this success; whether they’re...