How is morality best defined?

Morality is best defined as the beliefs of what is right and wrong because it encompasses the principles and values that guide individual behavior and decision-making regarding ethical dilemmas. These beliefs often arise from personal, cultural, religious, or philosophical influences and can vary significantly between different individuals and societies. Unlike legally binding laws, which are established by formal institutions and can sometimes mandate behavior without consideration of personal morals, morality is more subjective and rooted in personal conscience. Additionally, while societal norms do play a role in shaping moral beliefs, they can fluctuate and are not the defining characteristic of morality itself. Academic theories of ethics provide frameworks for understanding and analyzing moral reasoning but do not represent morality in its entirety, as morality is primarily concerned with action and its inherent value rather than theoretical constructs. Thus, defining morality through the lens of beliefs about right and wrong captures its essence as a guiding principle in human conduct.