Ethics PSY3041 Flashcards
To provide sufficient information on the topic of Ethics to get through our exam successfully
What is Ethics?
- Ethics is a branch of philosophy dealing with Moral problems & moral judgments
- Ethics involves the evaluation of human actions as ‘right’ or ‘wrong’
- Ethics are different to morals in that ethical codes are systematically grouped and specific to professional groups whereas morals are generally built on societal norms
What is the purpose of the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics (2007)?
To regulate the professional conduct of psychologists. Specifically:
- it articulates & promotes ethical principles
- sets specific standards to guide psychologists & members of the public
- to provide a clear understanding & expectation of what is considered ethically professional conduct by psychologists
Why are ethics essential to psychological practice?
- Good Ethical Practice equates to good professional practice
- Intuition alone is not sufficient as we make subjective/bias choices, may generalise or may fall into ethical traps
How can an Ethical Code help psychologists to make appropriate decisions?
- Following a Code removes uncertainty, providing guidance
- Without a code we can experience confusion, conflicting loyalties, leading to poor judgement or errors in ethical-decision-making
What constitutes an Ethical Dilemma?
A dilemma occurs when there is a conflict between 2 completing interests &/or actions
What is the difference between an Ethical Dilemma & a Mixed Dilemma?
- An Ethical dilemma occurs when the conflict is between ethical values or principles
- A Mixed dilemma occurs when the conflict is between an ethical value & some non-ethical consideration
Give an example of an Ethical Dilemma
Euthanasia is an ethical dilemma as it involves conflict between saving lives and the alleviation of suffering
Give an example of a Mixed Dilemma
Being asked by your manager to interpret test results when you are not suitably qualified to do so
What are the 4 key components one needs to be familiar with to recognise an Ethical Dilemma?
- Theoretical Perspectives on Ethics
- Key Ethical Principles
- Codes of Ethics
- Potential Ethical Traps
Name the 3 main Theoretical Approaches to Ethics
- Deontological (Duty Based) Approach
- Consequentialist (Outcome Based) Approach
- Personality Based (Virtue Ethics) Approach
Name the main points of the Deontology Approach to Ethics
Deontology:
- Focuses on the concepts of Duty & Moral Obligation
- Involves a commitment to acting in accord with absolute Ethical Standards
- The Moral Good consists in the Intention of the action, rather than the outcome
- Exemplified by Kant’s “Categorical Imperative”: treat others as a end in themselves (not a means to an end) & treat others as you wish to be treated
Name the main points of the Consequentialism Approach to Ethics
Consequentialism:
- Focuses on the outcome of the actions NOT the underlying intention
- The ‘good’ & ‘right’ action is that which promotes the greatest good for the greatest number i.e.
- is exemplified by utilitarianism:
- The moral worth is only known once all consequences have played out
- John Stuart Mills: “the greatest happiness Principle” / Bentham: “The pleasure principle”
Name the main points of the Personality or Character Based Approach to Ethics
Personality / Character Based Approach:
- Universal Virtuous characteristic are: wisdom, creativity, curiosity, fairness, forgiveness, appreciation of beauty & excellence, prudence, integrity, respectfulness, & benevolence.
- Virtue ethics are hard to apply to uphold specific ethical principles & difficult to teach
- Exemplified by Virtue Ethics - Aristotle i.e. this view is concerned with the cultivation of the virtuous person
Why are Virtue Ethics said to be hard to uphold & teach?
Although virtues and ethical principles overlap, principles are usually more specific and easier to translate into prescribed, observable obligation that can be enacted in a professional context
What is the format of the APS Code of Ethics (2007)?
The Ethical Principles in the Code of Ethics stem from both consideration of highly general / first-level principles and highly specific procedural principles and behavioural standards
List the 7 First-Level Principles in the APS Code of Ethics (2007)
- Dignity
- Equitability
- Prudence
- Honesty
- Openness
- Goodwill
- Suffering prevention
acronym: DEPHOGS
What are the key aspects required to uphold the principle of Dignity?
- Treating each person as an end in themselves
- viewing people as being worthy of respect and acting accordingly (i.e. must be culturally & contextually appropriate and so on)
- The Principle of Dignity informs the APS Code of Ethics General Principle A: Respect for the rights & dignity of people & peoples
What are the key aspects required to uphold the principle of Equitability?
- Being Fair & impartial in judgments and relationships
- Treat others as we would want to be treated under similar circumstances
- This principle is especially important when there is a power imbalance
- The Principle of Equitability informs the APS Code of Ethics General Principle A: Respect for the rights & dignity of people & peoples
What are the key aspects required to uphold the principle of Prudence?
- Harm Minimisation is key
- Although we cannot always help a client, we must not harm them (either by omission or commission)
- -The Principle of Prudence informs the APS Code of Ethics General Principle B: Propriety
What are the key aspects required to uphold the principle of Honesty?
- Behaving in a manner that is straightforward & truthful (not being deceitful or false)
- We need to balance our honesty with consideration to the vulnerability of our client (without becoming parentalistic)
- The Principle of Prudence informs the APS Code of Ethics General Principle C: Integrity
What are the key aspects required to uphold the principle of Openness?
- Communication in the therapeutic relationship should be sincere and honest
- Privacy should be upheld (except where legal requirements prevent this)
- The Principle of Openness informs the APS Code of Ethics General Principle A: Respect for the rights & dignity of people & peoples
What are the key aspects required to uphold the principle of Goodwill?
- Act in the interest of Others, not from self-interest
- Doing more than the bare minimum for clients
- Goodwill prevents many problems and helps resovle those that do arise
- The Principle of Prudence informs the APS Code of Ethics General Principles A, B, & C: Respect, Propriety, & Integrity
What are the key aspects required to uphold the principle of Suffering Prevention?
- Involves the prevention and alleviation of suffering
- one does not engage in activities that produce or increase suffering
- This principle is sometimes at odds with others, such as in the case of euthanasia - suffering prevention versus do no harm (prudence)
Which of the 3 main Theoretical Approaches to Ethics are Reflected in the APS Code of Ethics (2007)?
The Principles set out in the APS code of Ethics reflect mostly Deontological and Consequentialist views, but do contain shades of virtue ethics.