Since there is no progress in most discussions of re Morality or Ethics, I suggest we must establish acceptable definitions of 'what is morality' and 'what is Ethics'. Note 'suggest' not 'insist'.
I wrote;
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- The usual misunderstandings and never ending disagreements that is produced in threads on 'Morality' is people jumped into the discussion without defining the critical terms involved, e.g.
1. What is Morality vs Ethics vs Virtue.
2. What is reality
3. What is a fact
4. What is relativity
5. What is objectivity vs subjectivity
6. Time and phase of evolution involved
What is Ethics?
Here is a good start to define what is Ethics from its etymological origins;
For a start, I propose the definition of 'What is Ethics?" to be in a wider sense;The English word ethics is derived from the Ancient Greek word ēthikós (ἠθικός), meaning "relating to one's character", which itself comes from the root word êthos (ἦθος) meaning "character, moral nature".[5]
This word was transferred into Latin as ethica and then into French as éthique, from which it was transferred into English.
Rushworth Kidder states that "standard definitions of ethics have typically included such phrases as 'the science of the ideal human character' or 'the science of moral duty'".[6] Richard William Paul and Linda Elder define ethics as "a set of concepts and principles that guide us in determining what behavior helps or harms sentient creatures".[7]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics#Defining_ethics
ethics as "a set of concepts, principles, methodology, strategies that guide us in determining what behavior helps or harms humans to ensure the preservation of the species".
Ethics is solely applicable to humans only and extended to non-humans only where necessary to achieve its main purpose.
From the wider sense of Ethics, we narrow it to two aspects, i.e. the Pure and Applied, as;
- 1. Pure - Morality
2. Applied -Ethics as practical
Morality is the Pure aspect in contrast to the Applied aspect just like Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
As such with Morality [Pure], the task is to establish fundamental principles and concepts as maxims [or objective standards] to guide practical ethics.
To do this, we need to verify and justify moral facts as a matter of fact represented by physical referents comprising neural correlates within the brain and body.
These objective moral facts are to be established ONLY as guides for moral progress and should NEVER be used as rules to be imposed on individuals.
What is Ethics - Applied?
Applied Ethics is a subset of Ethics-in-General.
Applied Ethics will involved establishing concepts, principles, models, systems, methodology, strategies that guide the individuals or groups in striving towards the objective moral standards on a continuous improvement basis.
What is Virtue?
While some aspects of virtue can be considered within the realm of morality and ethics, not all virtues qualify as moral and ethical elements.
Virtue is contrasted with Vice;
A vice is a practice, behaviour, or habit generally considered immoral, sinful, criminal, rude, taboo, depraved, degrading, deviant or perverted in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a negative character trait, a defect, an infirmity, or a bad or unhealthy habit.
Vices are usually associated with a transgression in a person's character or temperament rather than their morality.[1]
Synonyms for vice include fault, sin, depravity, iniquity, wickedness, and corruption.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vice
Since "virtue" has only very partial moral and ethical elements, I would exclude virtue from Ethical and Morality except where it is explicitly and qualified to be related to Ethics and Morality.The ancient Romans used the Latin word virtus (derived from vir, their word for man) to refer to all of the "excellent qualities of men, including physical strength, valorous conduct, and moral rectitude." The French words vertu and virtu came from this Latin root. In the 13th century, the word virtue was "borrowed into English".[3]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtue#Etymology
The above is merely a suggestion to avoid arguing pass each other.
The point is when anyone insist on the definition without consensus with the other party, it will end up a 'till the cows come home' sort of a never ending discussion.
Views.