Which term describes the moral principles and values held by individuals and societies?

The term that best describes the moral principles and values held by individuals and societies is "ethics." Ethics encompasses the frameworks and codes of conduct that guide behavior and decision-making regarding what is considered right or wrong within a cultural context. It addresses questions of morality and the philosophy of how people ought to act, taking into account societal norms as well as personal beliefs.

In contrast, ethnology is the comparative study of cultures, focusing on understanding differences and similarities among them. Enculturation refers specifically to the process by which individuals learn and adopt the cultural norms and values of their society, typically during childhood. Cultural materialism is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the material conditions of life—such as economy, technology, and environment—as the primary influence on culture and behavior, rather than the moral and ethical considerations themselves. Thus, the choice of "ethics" is correct as it directly relates to the moral principles and values central to both individuals and societies.