Definition of Ethics
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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