7. Introduction to ethics Flashcards
What is ethics
- from ethos
- character or disposition that creates the goodness of people
- moral philosophy
Essential features/elements of ethics
- concept of right and wrong
- the other - how we relate to members
- actions - how our actions affect others
Values are
the principles or beliefs by which we make ethical decisions
Professional ethics is
- 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
Ethical Decision Making (EDM) is
acting in a way that maximises the most important ethical values while achieving the intended goal
Ethical decision making limitations
- Common sense approach
- Satisficing
- Problem solving
a Ethical dilemma
b Ethical sensitivity
Common sense approach
EDM limitation
- decisions are a matter of common sense and are a quick convenient guide learned through trial and error
- personal experience and subjectivity influences decision
Satisficing
EDM limitation
- easy to understand rules for decision making, rule of thumb
- decisions meet minimum requirement i.e. satisfactory or adequate
Problem solving
EDM limitation
Ethical dilemma
- choice between two or more bad or good alternatives
Ethical sensitivity
- ability to recognise moral dimension of the problem
Ethics and the law
- 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- NB silent or outdated law may not be ethical or the highest moral behaviour
Ethics and code of conduct
- 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
Ethics and principled approach
- 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
List the normative ethical theories
1. Action centered
a Teleological - consequentialism
i Utilitarianism
ii Egoism
b Deontological - non-consequentialism
i Rights
ii Justice
2. Agent centered
a Virtues
b CareTeleology theory
Right from wrong based on results of the action or decision
Utilitarianism
Action centered, teleological
- greatest benefit for majority after allowing for total cost
Egoism
Action centered, teleological
- ethical egoism - acts per self interest, max net positive benefit
- psychological egoism (Machiavellian) - acts per selfishness, deceit and manipulation
Deontology theory
Based on the intrinsic value regardless of outcome
Theory of rights
Action centered, deontological
- respect rights of others
- right to truth
- all rights equally important
Theory of justice
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
Agent centered
- value based ethics
- how we should be
1. Virtue ethics
2. Ethics of care
What is virtue ethics?
- character and traits of a person
- person’s virtue
What is the ethics of care?
- importance of relationships
- considers the vulnerable
- unethical person is one who fails to care or prevents others from caring
