Morality is derived from the word moral, which is a combination of Latin mos, which means habit or tradition, and ethos, which means the same thing in Greek. Morality is therefore the knowledge of right and wrong, as well as living in accordance with that knowledge and trying to do the right thing at all times. Morality is often associated with philosophy, aesthetics, law, and even traditions (Rabbitte, 2001). Morality, though closely linked to each of them, varies philosophically from each of them in several respects.
The relationships between morals and religious views are known as religion and morality. However, religion provides values and frameworks through religious books such as the Bible, aimed at modifying personal behavior so as to guide adherence to determine right and wrong (Rachels & Hare, 1974). Morality, on the other hand, is an own uninfluenced active process that by reason, one does the right thing based on their judgment and reason while considering equally the interest of other people and how such actions will affect them.
Custom is a repetition of certain ways of behavior which are familiar to many individuals in an ordinary, habitual manner. Morality, on the other hand, is the distinction of good from evil and wrong from right. Morality entails respecting and obeying personal principles of good conduct. Custom is how an individual lives due to societal expectations while morality is a mental disposition of an individual, behaving in a manner with the intent of producing morally right outcomes.
Aesthetics is the philosophy of morality, addressing questions regarding morality while exploring ideas regarding morality and the place of morality in society. Although both aesthetics and morality are principles of right and wrong, morality originates from within an individual while aesthetics are due to external societal norms that shape an individual (Swanger, 1985).
Laws are absolute rules that a particular government lays down, and one must follow, have consequences should anyone contravene while morality is an individual and personal views on what is right and wrong. In morality, unlike the law, one has a choice to do the right thing without anyone forcing them. When a moral person does what is wrong, they have an inner sense of guilt even when there are no external punishments. Laws often override the views of society on issues of morality.
Etiquette is a set or rules that an organization designs to make social encounters between people. Etiquette is an act of politeness. Each culture has its unique set of rule of etiquette, and a person with good manners frequently seem to have good behaviors towards others.
In conclusion, morality is the underlying principle that religion, law, etiquette, customs, and aesthetics. Without an inner personal self-drive to uphold morality, the society regardless of its laws, customs, religious beliefs or traditions cannot succeed.
References
Burstein, S. & Dillon, J. (2005). Morality and Custom in Ancient Greece. The History Teacher, 39(1), 118.
Rabbitte, P. (2001). Politics, Morality, and Religion. The Irish Review (1986- ), (27), 55.
Rachels, J. & Hare, R. (1974). Applications of Moral Philosophy. The Journal of Philosophy, 71(3), 84.
Swanger, D. (1985). Parallels between Aesthetic and Moral Judging, Moral and Aesthetic Education. Educational Theory, 35(1), 85-96