Selected Terminology (Book) Flashcards
Ethics
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.
Code of Ethics
A declaration or statement of the professional standards of right and wrong conduct.
Values
Beliefs that are held in high esteem.
Moral
(Synonymous with ethical) Refers to the customs, values, and standards of practice of a group, age, or theory intended to be timeless.
Absolute Moral Standard
A moral principle followed consistently regardless of the situation.
Situational Ethics
Moral principles that vary with circumstances
Business Ethics
What is good or moral in business transactions
Golden Rule
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.”
Honesty
Having a sense of honor, upright and fair dealing
Integrity
Fidelity to moral principles
Professionalism
Professional character or spirit
Normative Ethics
Involves formulating moral standards of conduct.
Ex: Treat all dead bodies with respect
Meta-ethics
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?
Teleological Theory
Maintains that the morality of an action is determined solely by its consequences. Also known as consequentialism.
Deontological Theory
Maintains that the morality of an action is determined by its motives or in accordance with some rules. Also known as non-consequentialism.
Utilitarianism
The morally right action produces the greatest good for the largest number of people.
Laws
Rules that govern society. External. Concerned with acts and conduct. Concerned with the interest of society.
Government regulations
Usually enacted to protect consumers
Social Pressure
Determining what is a companys social responsibility
Firms Financial Status
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.
Employee/Consumer Needs
Economic, physical and emotional
Absolutism
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.
Relativism
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.
Privacy
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.
