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Many people use morals and ethics interchangeably. The concept of law is quite another topic. In order to properly understand ethical concepts, it is important to understand the concepts of morality and the law.  The definition of morals will reference ethics in a circular definition; same goes for ethics. But ethics represents an innate knowledge of right/wrong distinctions.  Ethics transcends culture, religion, and time.

Morality is defined as having and living per a moral code, or principles of right and wrong.  Basic morality condemns murder, adultery, lying and stealing. Ethics explores the idea of morality and its place in society and addresses questions about morality. The law is based on principles and regulations established in a community by some authority and applicable to its people. 

This course evaluates these concepts and put them in a business context.

Learning Objectives

• Explore the meaning and examples of morality, ethics and the law.
• Recognize the differences between morality, ethics and the law.
• Identify distinguishing factors between morality and ethics.
• Explore philosopher’s theories of morality and ethics.
• Discover a case study experiment on morality and ethics.
• Explore authoritative behavior versus ethics.
• Recognize the realities of ethical authority.
• Explore example cases of moral/ethical and legal dilemmas.

Last updated/reviewed: November 4, 2019

Included In Certifications

This course is included in the following Certification Programs:

15 CoursesEthical Leadership Certification

  1. History of Ethics
  2. Ethics and Psychology: Part 1
  3. Ethics and Psychology: Part 2
  4. COSO 2013 Control Environment
  5. Today’s Corporate Ethical Culture
  6. Managing Through Corporate Politics
  7. Real World Business Ethics Scenarios
  8. Relationship between Ethics, Morality, and the Law
  9. Impact of Ethics on Leadership
  10. Traits and Skills of the Ethical Leader
  11. Framework for Ethical Decision Making
  12. Keys to an Effective Code of Conduct
  13. Keys to Understanding Conflicts of Interest
  14. Whistleblower Hotlines - History and Regulations
  15. Whistleblower Hotlines - Effective Management

23 Reviews (85 ratings)Reviews

5
Anonymous Author
Really great course for understanding the differences between ethics, morality and the law as well as the difficult dilemmas that could be faced by professionals in different fields. I particualry liked the light shed by Milgram Experiment. Thanks Lynn.
4
Member's Profile
Lynn gave real-life examples on how ethics, moral and the law will affect one's life when it comes to tough situations. These examples will really make you think deeper when you're making decisions.
4
Member's Profile
Lynn Fountain emphatically and clearly explains the distinctions between morality and ethics and how they are applied in organization and society as a whole. She provides good real-world examples.
4
Member's Profile
Hard to have a discussion about morality and ethics without the concept of a moral law-giver. Otherwise, everything is relative to the cultural opinions and survival of the fittest.
5
Anonymous Author
A great course to provide an overview regarding the differences between moral, ethical and lawful. It gives a detailed explanation and examples to provide further understanding.
4
Member's Profile
Good course. I've already read Haidt's "The Righteous Mind" and read up on the Milgram experiment, but it was good to see those tied in to business ethics.
5
Anonymous Author
good topic to understanding the network of our behavior, reasons for it and thin ice between morals, ethics, law. well presented.
5
Member's Profile
I had taken the Philosophy of Ethics courses, and adding the legal aspect made this one different. Very thought provoking.
5
Member's Profile
Thought provoking ! Thank you Lynn for another great presentation. We are lucky as learners to have you out there.
5
Anonymous Author
Comprehensive course material that did an excellent job of explaining the differences. Thought provoking.
4
Anonymous Author
Excellent overview and presentation of concepts involved in understanding ethics, morality, and the law.
4
Anonymous Author
There is a strong correlation between ethics and morality and this course helps explain the connection.
4
Anonymous Author
This is a wonderful in depth description of ethics, morality, and how the law functions within.
5
Member's Profile
Relatively tough and assimilable terms and subject matter handled nicely by Lynn. Well done!!!
4
Anonymous Author
Great discussion on the differences. The speaker has great insights on this topic.
5
Member's Profile
Very interesting concepts and great case study provided. Very clear examples.
4
Anonymous Author
The pace of the course was a little slow, recommend the course to be faster.
4
Anonymous Author
The examples discussed of the experiment conducted was very interesting
5
Anonymous Author
Excellent course, with relevant points covered on all three areas
5
Member's Profile
A good overview/refresher of the morals, ethics, and laws.
5
Anonymous Author
It was a very informative, useful and interesting session.
5
Anonymous Author
Excellent course - understandable and very interesting!
5
Member's Profile
Awesome as always
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Prerequisites

Course Complexity: Intermediate

No Advanced Preparation or Prerequisites are needed for this course, but completion of the instructor's other courses on ethics may be helpful

Education Provider Information

Company:
Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact:
For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
  Course Overview CPE
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  3:42Introduction to Morals vs. Ethics
Ethics, Morality, and the Law
  13:11Meaning of Morality and Ethics
  7:14The Variation
  7:14Distinguishing Factors
  8:21Theories of Jonathan Haidt
  12:43Milgram Experiment
  4:52Authoritarian Behavior and Ethics
  3:35Ethical Authority?
  11:29Conflicts
CONCLUSION
  6:54Summary
CONTINUOUS PLAY
  1:19:14Relationship between ethics, morality and the law
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  PDFSlides: Relationship between ethics, morality and the law
  PDFRelationship between ethics, morality and the law Glossary/Index
REVIEW AND TEST
  quizREVIEW QUESTIONS
 examFINAL EXAM
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