Can ethics and morals ever come into conflict?

Although they are distinct things, a person’s ethics and morals are usually in alignment. But that’s not always the case.

For example, the American Medical Association, in its Code of Medical Ethics, says “euthanasian is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer” and that “permitting physicians to engage in euthanasia would ultimately cause more harm than good.” If a physician in the US has a personal belief that euthanasia is wrong, then that physician’s morals align with the set of professional ethics the American Medical Association requires the physician to adhere to.

On the other hand, a different physician might believe euthanasia is morally acceptable and a choice that should be available to patients who are terminally ill. In this instance, the physician’s morals conflict with the system of professional ethics the physician has pledged to uphold. Such a conflict doesn’t mean the physician is incapable of performing her job. It simply means that, in this instance in the workplace, professional ethics take precedence over personal morals.

This tension between personal morals and professional ethics underscores the complexity of navigating ethical dilemmas in various fields. Professionals often face difficult decisions where they must balance their personal values with their obligations to their profession, colleagues, and the individuals they serve. Understanding and managing these conflicts is an essential aspect of professional conduct and integrity.