7. Introduction to ethics

Question 1

What is ethics

Answer 1

• from ethos
• character or disposition that creates the goodness of people
• moral philosophy

Question 2

Essential features/elements of ethics

Answer 2

• concept of right and wrong
• the other - how we relate to members
• actions - how our actions affect others

Question 3

Values are

Answer 3

the principles or beliefs by which we make ethical decisions

Question 4

Professional ethics is

Answer 4

• acting in a professional capacity i.e. acting in accordance with rules of conduct and standards of behaviour
• objectivity, integrity, confidentiality, technical competence, due care and public interest

Question 5

Ethical Decision Making (EDM) is

Answer 5

acting in a way that maximises the most important ethical values while achieving the intended goal

Question 6

Ethical decision making limitations

Answer 6

1. Common sense approach
2. Satisficing
3. Problem solving
   a Ethical dilemma
   b Ethical sensitivity

Question 7

Common sense approach

EDM limitation

Answer 7

• decisions are a matter of common sense and are a quick convenient guide learned through trial and error
• personal experience and subjectivity influences decision

Question 8

Satisficing

EDM limitation

Answer 8

• easy to understand rules for decision making, rule of thumb
• decisions meet minimum requirement i.e. satisfactory or adequate

Question 9

Problem solving

EDM limitation

Answer 9

Ethical dilemma
- choice between two or more bad or good alternatives
Ethical sensitivity
- ability to recognise moral dimension of the problem

Question 10

Ethics and the law

Answer 10

• simplest form of EDM
• do what is lawful and usually lawful is ethical
• NB silent or outdated law may not be ethical or the highest moral behaviour

Question 11

Ethics and code of conduct

Answer 11

• acting in accordance with the code of conduct
• not legally binding but commitment to profession
• serving public interest over personal interest
• breaching code may result in loss of position, money or status

Question 12

Ethics and principled approach

Answer 12

• decide based on right and wrong, moral values and philosophical reasoning
• normative theory
• breaching personal ethics may result in feelings of failure, remorse or loss of pride

Question 13

List the normative ethical theories

Answer 13

1. Action centered
   a Teleological - consequentialism
      i  Utilitarianism
      ii Egoism
   b Deontological - non-consequentialism
     i  Rights
     ii Justice
2. Agent centered
   a Virtues
   b Care

Question 14

Teleology theory

Answer 14

Right from wrong based on results of the action or decision

Question 15

Utilitarianism

Answer 15

Action centered, teleological

- greatest benefit for majority after allowing for total cost

Question 16

Egoism

Answer 16

Action centered, teleological

• ethical egoism - acts per self interest, max net positive benefit
• psychological egoism (Machiavellian) - acts per selfishness, deceit and manipulation

Question 17

Deontology theory

Answer 17

Based on the intrinsic value regardless of outcome

Question 18

Theory of rights

Answer 18

Action centered, deontological

• respect rights of others
• right to truth
• all rights equally important

Question 19

Theory of justice

Answer 19

Action centered, deontological
- legally right or wrong
- assumes justice is ethical and what is ethical is legal
Steps
1. Identify benefits and burdens
2. Proportion benefits and burdens
3. Ensure that distribution is fair and equal

Question 20

Agent centered

Answer 20

• value based ethics
• how we should be
  1. Virtue ethics
  2. Ethics of care

Question 21

What is virtue ethics?

Answer 21

• character and traits of a person

- person’s virtue

Question 22

What is the ethics of care?

Answer 22

• importance of relationships
• considers the vulnerable
• unethical person is one who fails to care or prevents others from caring