DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MORAL

AND

NON-MORAL STANDARDS

WHAT ARE STANDARDS

 A level of quality of attainment.

 An idea or thing used as a measure, norm or model in comparative evaluation.

MORAL STANDARDS

 Refers to the norms which we have about the types of actions which we believe to be morally
acceptable and morally un- acceptable.
 Involve the rules people have about the kinds of actions they believe are morally right
and wrong, as well as the values they place on the kinds of objects they believe are
morally good and morally bad. Some ethicists equate moral standards with moral values and moral
principles.
 Are norms that individuals or groups have about the kinds of actions believed to be morally right
or wrong, as well as the values places on what we believed to be morally good or morally bad.

The foundations of evolving moral systems rest on a complex cybernetic process, scientific study of
control and communication, which sustains and preserves the human species. This is a dynamic process
that drives the creation of moral and ethical standards. Every human action inspires a corresponding
reaction whether subtle in nature or violent. Some people are more emotionally reactive than others.
Emotions can get out of control if not regulated by laws, customs, moral codes, professional codes and
even the rules of etiquette. Rules are a stabilizing force that enhances the survivability of individuals,
families and nations.

EXAMPLES OF MORAL STANDARDS

• Don’t kill

• Speak the truth

•Be careful with what you say and do to others

• Respect the property of others

•Treat people in need or distress as we would want to be treated if our situation were

reversed.
NON-MORAL STANDARDS

 Refers to rules that affect the choice of a person but are not linked to moral or ethical
considerations, similar with ethics people use value judgment in dealing with these aspects.

Etiquette- refers to the norms of correct conduct in polite society or, more generally, to any special
code of social behavior or courtesy.

Statutes- are laws enacted by legislative bodies. The law that defines and prohibits theft is a statute.

EXAMPLES OF NON-MORAL STANDARDS

•Rules of etiquette

•Fashion standards

•Rules in games

•Various house rules

HOW ARE MORAL STANDARDS FORMED?

Moral standards are influenced by a variety of factors such as the moral principles we accept as part of
our upbringing, values passed on to us through heritage and legacy, the religious values that we have
imbibed from childhood, the values that were showcase during the period of education, the behavior
pattern of those who are arounds us, the explicit standards of our culture, our life experiences and more
importantly, our critical reflections on these experiences.

Characteristic of moral standards

1. Moral standards involve serious wrongs or significant benefits.

2. Moral standards ought to be preferred to other values.
3. Moral standards are not established by authority figures.
4. Moral standards have the trait of universalizability
5. Moral standards are based on impartial considerations
6. Moral standards are associated with special emotion and vocabulary.

REFERENCES:

Leañ0, Roman D. et al. Ethics for college Students. Mindshapers, Co., Inc. 2018.

Mañebog, Jensen DG. Moral Standards vs. Non-Moral Standards. 2013.

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/technological-university-of-the-

philippines/bachelor-of-science-in-civil-engineering/difference-between-moral-and-

non-moral-standards/8615149

https://myinfobasket.com/moral-standards-non-moral-standards-what-is-difference-

characteristics/

https://www.slideshare.net/chumce02/lesson-1-topic-1-moral-nonmoral-standards