Ethics is much more extensive, continuing on where the law leaves off”. Laws

do not equal ethics except in a perfect society. Ethics always includes our

actions as it relates to others and encompasses the Golden Rule- as does most

ethical thinking and application.

Moral Egoism: It means that one can justify literally any action they want

because “It is in their best interest” No matter what they do, or their

family, or their company, or their candidate, etc. Their actions can be

justified on the basis that it was in the best interests of those who wanted

the action. It is irrelevant what impact- obviously negative- the actions

might have on others because that does not enter into their equation.

Veil of Ignorance: For any action, simply put a veil of ignorance between you

and the action taking place. Pretend that the results had absolutely nothing

to do with you or anyone close to you, your school, dept., family, etc. Just

look at the actions as an independent entity and see if the actions are what

an ethical person would have done. You would be amazed that through

independent focus, the ethical clarity is clearly identified. You can use the

guidlines listed below to assist you develop ethical clarity!

1. Does it appear to be right?

2. Is it fair just to you, your family or colleagues?

3. Consider the impact to those not directly associated to you

(school, community, neighbors)? Would it be fair to others?

4. Would you want someone else to take this action on you, your family

(mother, spouse), etc?

5. Would you teach this activity to your children?

6. How would you feel if this action were exposed to others, your spouse,

children, parents? What about if it was exposed to the press?

7. Knowingly making a false or misleading representation to others without a

reasonable basis for believing its truth.

Individuals are morally responsible for their actions and the harmful effects

they may cause- when the person knowingly and freely acted or where they knew

the act would or could have potentially harmful repercussions on others or

when a person knowingly

and freely failed to act and where a harmful action occurred on others. It is morally

wrong for the person to have failed to prevent such action.

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