Selected Terminology (Book)

Question 1

Ethics

Answer 1

That branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such action.
Internal. Concerned with the interest of individuals and society.

Question 2

Code of Ethics

Answer 2

A declaration or statement of the professional standards of right and wrong conduct.

Question 3

Values

Answer 3

Beliefs that are held in high esteem.

Question 4

Moral

Answer 4

(Synonymous with ethical) Refers to the customs, values, and standards of practice of a group, age, or theory intended to be timeless.

Question 5

Absolute Moral Standard

Answer 5

A moral principle followed consistently regardless of the situation.

Question 6

Situational Ethics

Answer 6

Moral principles that vary with circumstances

Question 7

Business Ethics

Answer 7

What is good or moral in business transactions

Question 8

Golden Rule

Answer 8

A rule of ethical conduct found in some form in most major religions usually phrased, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Question 9

Honesty

Answer 9

Having a sense of honor, upright and fair dealing

Question 10

Integrity

Answer 10

Fidelity to moral principles

Question 11

Professionalism

Answer 11

Professional character or spirit

Question 12

Normative Ethics

Answer 12

Involves formulating moral standards of conduct.

Ex: Treat all dead bodies with respect

Question 13

Meta-ethics

Answer 13

Evaluates the meaning of ethical statements and the structure and reasons used at arriving at normative theories.
Ex: Why treat all dead bodies with respect?

Question 14

Teleological Theory

Answer 14

Maintains that the morality of an action is determined solely by its consequences. Also known as consequentialism.

Question 15

Deontological Theory

Answer 15

Maintains that the morality of an action is determined by its motives or in accordance with some rules. Also known as non-consequentialism.

Question 16

Utilitarianism

Answer 16

The morally right action produces the greatest good for the largest number of people.

Question 17

Laws

Answer 17

Rules that govern society. External. Concerned with acts and conduct. Concerned with the interest of society.

Question 18

Government regulations

Answer 18

Usually enacted to protect consumers

Question 19

Social Pressure

Answer 19

Determining what is a companys social responsibility

Question 20

Firms Financial Status

Answer 20

Complying to high ethical standards seems more prevalent during strong economic times. During times of financial difficulties, owners/managers are more apt to forgo ethics for economics.

Question 21

Employee/Consumer Needs

Answer 21

Economic, physical and emotional

Question 22

Absolutism

Answer 22

An action is right or wrong because a higher authority of some kind says it is. The determination is absolute regardless of the situation. There is no uncertainty due to changing circumstances or events. Often found in religious beliefs.
Ex: Every dead body is deserving of respectful treatment regardless of who they were.

Question 23

Relativism

Answer 23

There is no one correct moral standard for all times and people. Each group has its own morality relative to its wants, needs, culture, history, or to a change in situation, event, or circumstance.
Ex: A dead body is deserving of respectful treatment unless it was an evil person such as Hitler.

Question 24

Privacy

Answer 24

Only authorized individuals with a reason to be present should be in the preparation room during embalming. The deceased must be decently protected from exposure at all times.

Question 25

Confidentiality

Answer 25

No information about the condition of the deceased, the procedures performed, or pre-existing conditions should be given to anyone except immediate family, or the proper authorities, who have a need to know.