The difference between morals and ethics

What does it mean to do the right thing?

People often use the words “morals” and “ethics” as if they mean the same thing. Both have to do with right and wrong, good and bad, and how we should treat each other. But there may be an important difference between the values we personally live by and the principles we use to think more carefully about difficult situations.

In this Bacchus Marsh Philosophy Club session, we’ll ask:

What is the difference between having morals and thinking ethically?

Together, we’ll explore questions such as:

• Where do our morals come from?

• Can two good people have different moral beliefs?

• Is ethics just personal opinion, or can it be reasoned about?

• When should we question the values we grew up with?

• Can someone follow the rules and still act wrongly?

As always, no prior knowledge of philosophy is needed. The session will be friendly, structured, and discussion-based. We are not here to win the argument — we are here to explore the question together.

Come along if you enjoy good questions, thoughtful conversation, and hearing how other people see the world.