Values, ethics, and morals are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here are some basic definitions:

• Values: These are an individuals accepted standards of right or wrong. They are the goals towards which a person aspires and largely define the core of their identity. Values include a deep-rooted system of beliefs that guide a persons decisions and form a personal, individual foundation that influences their behavior.

• Morals: These are societys standards of right and wrong, very similar to ethics. Morals are principles or rules that someone applies to their lives each day and are foundational to what is considered to be right or wrong. They are specific and context-driven rules that govern a persons desire to be good.

• Ethics: These are a structured system of principles that govern appropriate conduct for a group, including activities such as professional ethics, compassion, commitment, cooperation. Ethics are usually defined and agreed upon and may keep changing with time. They attempt to secure morally right actions.

Values, morals, and ethics change with a culture and are tied to a culture. They are not static and can pull a person in different directions. While morals may feel like they are usually imposed from the outside, values are inherent and personal in character. Ethics are wider in scope than values and morals.

In summary, values are an individuals accepted standards of right or wrong, morals are societys standards of right and wrong, and ethics are a structured system of principles that govern appropriate conduct for a group.