Which term refers to the set of moral principles accepted by society to judge individual behavior?

The term that refers to the set of moral principles accepted by society to judge individual behavior is ethics. Ethics encompasses the fundamental concepts of right and wrong that influence how individuals and groups conduct themselves in various situations. It provides a framework for evaluating actions and decisions based on collective moral values and societal expectations.

Ethics can evolve over time as society's values change, but it fundamentally guides behavior, ensuring that actions are aligned with what is considered just and fair within a community. By understanding ethics, individuals can navigate complex moral dilemmas and make decisions that are not only beneficial to themselves but also to society at large.

This focus on collective moral principles distinguishes ethics from other concepts. For example, while moral standards may refer to personal beliefs or values about right and wrong, and social norms pertain to the unwritten rules that govern behavior within a particular group, ethics specifically draws upon these elements to establish a broader societal framework. A code of conduct is more about specific guidelines set forth by organizations and may not encompass the broader moral principles that ethics embodies.