Ethics Flashcards
Ethics is the study of…
Right and wrong. Ethical theories often involve the concept of happiness
All ethical theories have this rule in common
Golden rule - treat others as you would like to be treated
What is the correct choice using Mill’s Utilitarianism ethical theory
o Correct choice is one that provides max benefit for max number of
people, e.g. democracy
o Hard to distribute amongst all the people
What is the correct choice using Kant’s Formalism or Duty Ethics ethical theory
o Correct choice is one in which each person follows an ethical route
o Highly process focused (good results will follow)
o What if the result is harm but process is good
o Does not allow for “white lies”
What is the correct choice using Locke’s Rights Ethics ethical theory
o Correct choice is one that doesn’t infringe on anyone’s basic rights (life, human dignity and liberty)
o What if one person’s rights infringe on another’s
What is the correct choice using Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics ethical theory
o Correct choice is a balance or “happy medium”
o Very vague and very difficult to apply
This code is enforced by the association and punishable by the Association or Provincial Law
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics includes duties to:
- Society (protection of public in return for self-regulation)
- Employers (disclose conflicts of interest, confidential)
- Clients (similar as above)
- Colleagues (“Golden Rule” applies)
- Employees, Subordinates (integrity, honesty, fairness, objectivity)
- Profession (honor, dignity, reputation)
- Oneself (good pay, good work environment)
This Code of Ethics duty is paramount to all others
Duty to the public
The core tenets of the Code of Ethics are:
- Healthy, Safety, and Welfare of the public is paramount
- Competence & Knowledge - refuse unfamiliar work
- Act with Integrity, Honesty, Fairness & Objectivity
- Know and comply with Statutes, Regulations, and Bylaws
- Enhance Honesty, Dignity and Reputation of the profession
A practical and orderly method for making ethical decisions is as follows
- Recognize & Gather Information (W5)
- Define Ethical Problem
- Alternative Solutions
- Evaluate Alternatives (Law, COE, Ethical Theories)
- Choose Optimum (or repeat)
- Implement Best Solution
An alternative strategy is to implement EGAD:
• Ethical Issues – identify the main ethical issues in the problem
• Generate Alternatives – find a nice alternative solution than the one
proposed in the problem thus far. A common technique is to lead you to
believe there are only two solutions; don’t’ be tricked, other solutions may
be proposed
• Analysis – evaluate all solutions with respect to fairness, ethical theories,
Code of Ethics
• Decision – choose the least negative alternative
How to respond to the following ethical issue/dilemma:
Over-Ruling Technical Recommendations
formally make your recommendation known and stand back unless illegal or unethical
How to respond to the following ethical issue/dilemma:
Illegal Activities
refuse the activity and provide an alternative solution
How to respond to the following ethical issue/dilemma:
Breaching COE
simple refusal and provide an alternative solution
How to respond to the following ethical issue/dilemma:
Conflict of Interest
announce the interests of each party and any conflicts, if blatant step down
