The Six Pillars Of Character Flashcards
What are the Six Pillars of Character?
Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship
These are ethical values that guide choices and decision-making.
What do the Six Pillars of Character provide for society?
A common lexicon
This helps to unite diverse groups and facilitates communication about core values.
Why is it important to have a common lexicon regarding the Six Pillars?
To communicate more easily about core values and understand ethical decisions better
This is crucial for navigating a fractured society.
What is the significance of adhering to multiple pillars when making decisions?
We must balance different moral principles to avoid sacrificing one for another
For example, being accountable while also being compassionate.
How can the Six Pillars improve our decisions and character?
They can dramatically improve the ethical quality of our decisions
This can enhance our overall character and lives.
What does trustworthiness encompass?
Honesty, integrity, reliability, loyalty
It is considered the most complicated of the six core ethical values.
True or False: Simply refraining from deception is sufficient to be trustworthy.
False
Trustworthiness involves more than just avoiding lies; it requires meeting the expectations of others.
Fill in the blank: The standards of conduct that arise from the Six Pillars constitute the ground rules of _______.
ethics
These ground rules guide ethical decision-making.
What is the primary role of the Six Pillars in ethical decision-making?
To act as a multi-level filter through which to process decisions
This helps individuals consider multiple ethical principles.
What can happen when we focus too much on one moral principle?
We may sacrifice another moral principle
This can lead to ethical imbalances in decision-making.
What is considered the most fundamental ethical value?
Honesty
What are the two main aspects of honesty?
- Honesty in communications
- Honesty in conduct
What does honesty in communications involve?
Expressing the truth as best we know it without misleading or deceiving
What are the three dimensions of honesty in communications?
- Truthfulness
- Sincerity
- Candor
Define truthfulness
Presenting the facts to the best of our knowledge
What distinguishes truthfulness from truth?
Intent is the crucial distinction
Is being wrong the same as lying?
No, being wrong is not the same as lying
Define sincerity
Genuineness, being without trickery or duplicity
What acts are precluded by sincerity?
- Half-truths
- Out-of-context statements
- Silence intended to mislead
What does candor require in relationships involving trust?
Forthrightness and frankness, including the obligation to volunteer necessary information
What does honesty in conduct involve?
Playing by the rules without stealing, cheating, or fraud
Why is cheating considered a particularly foul form of dishonesty?
It seeks to deceive and take advantage of those who are not cheating
Are all lies unethical?
No, not all lies are unethical
What is an example of ethically justifiable dishonesty?
Lying in undercover operations or to criminals to save lives
True or False: Occasions for ethically sanctioned lying are common.
False
Honesty in communications includes which of the following? Fill in the blank: Honesty in communications is expressing the truth as best we know it and not conveying it in a way likely to _______.
mislead or deceive
What is the origin of the word integrity?
The word integrity comes from the Latin root ‘integer,’ meaning whole number.
What does it mean for a person to have integrity?
A person of integrity acts according to her beliefs and is consistent in her decision-making.
List the Four Enemies of Integrity.
- Self-interest
- Self-protection
- Self-deception
- Self-righteousness
What is self-deception in the context of integrity?
A refusal to see a situation clearly.
What attitude does self-righteousness represent?
An end-justifies-the-means attitude.
Why is self-reflection important for a person of integrity?
To ensure that events and crises do not determine the course of her moral life.
What does it mean to be duplicitous?
To be deceitful or two-faced.
What are people without integrity often called?
Hypocrites or two-faced.
What is the significance of promise-keeping in integrity?
Promise-keeping creates a legitimate basis for others to rely upon us and undertakes special moral duties.
What should one avoid when making promises?
- Bad-faith excuses
- Unwise commitments
Fill in the blank: A person of integrity is _______.
[undivided and complete]
What is a key aspect of trustworthiness?
Promise-keeping.
What should one consider before making a promise?
Whether you are willing and likely to keep it.
True or False: A person of integrity may be courteous but is never duplicitous.
True.
What should be the basis for interpreting promises?
Fairly and honestly.
What does it mean to rationalize noncompliance?
To provide excuses for not fulfilling a promise.
Sometimes, what can we promise if we are unsure of keeping a commitment?
To do our best.
