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Flashcards in 7. Introduction to ethics Deck (22)
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1
Q

What is ethics

A
  • from ethos
  • character or disposition that creates the goodness of people
  • moral philosophy
2
Q

Essential features/elements of ethics

A
  • concept of right and wrong
  • the other - how we relate to members
  • actions - how our actions affect others
3
Q

Values are

A

the principles or beliefs by which we make ethical decisions

4
Q

Professional ethics is

A
  • acting in a professional capacity i.e. acting in accordance with rules of conduct and standards of behaviour
  • objectivity, integrity, confidentiality, technical competence, due care and public interest
5
Q

Ethical Decision Making (EDM) is

A

acting in a way that maximises the most important ethical values while achieving the intended goal

6
Q

Ethical decision making limitations

A
  1. Common sense approach
  2. Satisficing
  3. Problem solving
    a Ethical dilemma
    b Ethical sensitivity
7
Q

Common sense approach

EDM limitation

A
  • decisions are a matter of common sense and are a quick convenient guide learned through trial and error
  • personal experience and subjectivity influences decision
8
Q

Satisficing

EDM limitation

A
  • easy to understand rules for decision making, rule of thumb
  • decisions meet minimum requirement i.e. satisfactory or adequate
9
Q

Problem solving

EDM limitation

A

Ethical dilemma
- choice between two or more bad or good alternatives
Ethical sensitivity
- ability to recognise moral dimension of the problem

10
Q

Ethics and the law

A
  • simplest form of EDM
  • do what is lawful and usually lawful is ethical
  • NB silent or outdated law may not be ethical or the highest moral behaviour
11
Q

Ethics and code of conduct

A
  • acting in accordance with the code of conduct
  • not legally binding but commitment to profession
  • serving public interest over personal interest
  • breaching code may result in loss of position, money or status
12
Q

Ethics and principled approach

A
  • decide based on right and wrong, moral values and philosophical reasoning
  • normative theory
  • breaching personal ethics may result in feelings of failure, remorse or loss of pride
13
Q

List the normative ethical theories

A
1. Action centered
   a Teleological - consequentialism
      i  Utilitarianism
      ii Egoism
   b Deontological - non-consequentialism
     i  Rights
     ii Justice
2. Agent centered
   a Virtues
   b Care
14
Q

Teleology theory

A

Right from wrong based on results of the action or decision

15
Q

Utilitarianism

A

Action centered, teleological

- greatest benefit for majority after allowing for total cost

16
Q

Egoism

A

Action centered, teleological

  • ethical egoism - acts per self interest, max net positive benefit
  • psychological egoism (Machiavellian) - acts per selfishness, deceit and manipulation
17
Q

Deontology theory

A

Based on the intrinsic value regardless of outcome

18
Q

Theory of rights

A

Action centered, deontological

  • respect rights of others
  • right to truth
  • all rights equally important
19
Q

Theory of justice

A

Action centered, deontological
- legally right or wrong
- assumes justice is ethical and what is ethical is legal
Steps
1. Identify benefits and burdens
2. Proportion benefits and burdens
3. Ensure that distribution is fair and equal

20
Q

Agent centered

A
  • value based ethics
  • how we should be
    1. Virtue ethics
    2. Ethics of care
21
Q

What is virtue ethics?

A
  • character and traits of a person

- person’s virtue

22
Q

What is the ethics of care?

A
  • importance of relationships
  • considers the vulnerable
  • unethical person is one who fails to care or prevents others from caring