What is the difference between moral and ethical issues? Moral issues deal with establishment and dissemination of absolute rules of human behavior − such as the difference between what is right and wrong, good or bad − whereas ethical issues deal with the implementation of those moral rules of conduct that form an essential part of a particular culture or group − such as medical ethics or Christian ethics. Those ethics are grounded in either unchanging absolute moral terms or are relative and shifting.

Absolute ethics are generally accepted rules of human behavior. Relative ethics differ according to the nature of the culture for which they were established or by which they are interpreted. Thus, the rules of behavior for the elite in society, including the very rich, powerful, and celebrities, may differ from generally accepted rules of behavior. Many religions tell their followers, "Thou shall not kill." But powerful national leaders can say it is permitted because it is God's will. Thus, the leaders of nations have the power to switch from the absolute to relative ethical rules to direct their soldiers, who have been taught by the absolute ethical rule of "not to kill" to in fact kill in the name of God or country.

Likewise, absolute ethical rules state it is bad human behavior to lie or bribe people to gain personal advantage. However, in the domain or relative ethics, rulers of nations lie and bribe without hesitation and justify it by saying that the lie or bribe was in the best interests of the people.

Today, the relative ethical domain has expanded to include global organizations, national industries, large corporations, local governments, small businesses, families,  and, yes, even individuals who rationalize, "If it is in my best interest, I will do it, ethics be damned!"

Years ago, my boss, the head of publications at a research laboratory, called a meeting of his supervisors about a new directive he had received. He told us he was not going to follow that directive. When asked what he would say if someone up the chain of command questioned him about it, he said, "I will lie."

Maybe the Social Sciences can develop theories, test hypotheses, and replicate results to obtain facts proving that the interests of all these social entities are best served by returning to the domain of absolute ethics and restoring credibility to the conduct of our affairs.

Alfred H. Lotring lives in the Gales Ferry section of Ledyard.