Ethics Chapter 02 Overview

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Questions and Answers

What defines the moral framework guiding professionals in their ethical decisions?

Personal beliefs and biases

Cultural heritage

Codes of ethics (correct)

Societal norms and laws

Which of the following best describes deontological ethics?

Emphasizing the importance of virtue and character

Prioritizing individual freedom over collective responsibility

Evaluating actions based on their adherence to rules or duties (correct)

Focusing solely on the outcomes of actions

In ethical decision-making, what is a primary moral obligation when finding a wallet?

To keep the money if it is there

To look inside to verify the owner

To leave it where it is

To contact the police to return it (correct)

What is a common challenge in defining good and bad actions?

The complexity of societal impact and consequences Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue includes being truthful and free from deceit?

Integrity Signup and view all the answers

What factor determines if an action is considered good or bad according to virtue ethics?

The intent and character of the individual Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes respecting individuals' rights and conducting oneself honorably?

Respectfulness Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of individuals not following ethical guidelines?

Confusion about right and wrong Signup and view all the answers

What does deontological ethics primarily focus on?

Independent moral rules or duties Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes virtue ethics?

Assessing the role of character in decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which definition aligns most closely with the concept of ethics as described?

The discipline dealing with what is good and bad Signup and view all the answers

What role does self-reflection play in the concept of ethics?

It helps individuals understand their obligations and choices Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of normative ethics?

Establishing moral standards and what individuals should do Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory would most likely emphasize duties and responsibilities over outcomes?

Deontological ethics Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'moral obligation' implies that individuals:

Have responsibilities to act ethically regardless of consequences Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Golden Rule' advocate in terms of ethical behavior?

Treat others as one wishes to be treated themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a code of ethics for professionals?

To apply moral and ethical principles to specific situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically supported by codes of ethics?

Suppressing dissent within the profession. Signup and view all the answers

In ethical decision-making, which aspect is emphasized when using codes of ethics?

Recognizing possible moral dilemmas due to overlapping entries. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding the application of codes of ethics?

They offer a final moral authority for decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of computer ethics?

Respecting fellow humans while designing systems. Signup and view all the answers

What does virtue ethics focus on in the context of professional conduct?

Development of moral character and virtues. Signup and view all the answers

What common duty is reflected in the guidelines of computer ethics?

Avoiding harm to others through computing practices. Signup and view all the answers

What principle is often overlooked when interpreting codes of ethics?

Individual context surrounding ethical dilemmas. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 02 - Ethics

Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy.
It involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior.

Ancient Ethics

Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh
Homer's Iliad
The Icelandic Eddas
The Sumerian Farmer's Almanac
The Egyptian Instruction of Amenemope

Ethical Theories

An introduction to the main three branches of normative ethics.

Normative vs. Descriptive Ethics

Descriptive Ethics: describes how people behave and the moral standards they claim to follow(e.g., Anthropology, sociology)
Normative Ethics: seeks to create or evaluate moral standards. It figures out what people should do or if their behavior is reasonable.

Three Types of Normative Ethics

Teleological: looks at the ends or consequences of actions
Deontological: adheres to independent moral rules or duties; motives behind actions are right or wrong instead of outcomes (Duty-based)
- The Golden Rule
- Religion (e.g., The Ten Commandments)
Virtue Ethics: character-based theories that examine the role character plays in decision-making and its impact on others.

Therefore, The Ethics Is...

Merriam-Webster defines ethics as the discipline dealing with what is good/bad and moral duty/obligation.
Ethics refers to principles people live by and involves self-reflection and moral duty/obligation.
Ethics involves determining the difference between good and bad and holding responsibility for decisions/actions.
People generally try not to do "bad" things and consider the consequences of actions.

Why Is Ethics an Issue?

How are good and bad defined?
Who decided what is socially acceptable?
Are there degrees of good and bad?
What if an action has both good and bad consequences?
Actions can impact society and the environment, which requires responsibility & consideration
Ethical dilemmas arise when faced with challenging situations. (e.g., finding a wallet)

Components/Qualities

Honesty
Integrity
Transparency
Accountability
Confidentiality
Objectivity
Respectfulness
Obedience to the Law

Dimensions of Ethics (3 Rs of Ethics)

Rules
Responsibility
Respect

Codes of Ethics

Provide a framework for ethical judgment for professionals
Guide professionals on how to conduct themselves and resolve issues
Outline the rights, duties and obligations of members of a profession.

Positive Roles of Codes of Ethics

Inspiration
Guidance
Support for responsible conduct
Deterring/disciplining unethical professional conduct
Education and promoting mutual understanding
Contributing to a positive public image of the profession
Protecting status quo and suppressing dissent within a profession
Promoting business interests through restraint of trade

Protecting the Status Quo

Codes institute ethical conventions that promote minimum acceptable level of ethical conduct.
They can suppress disputes within the profession.

Limitations of Codes of Ethics

Broad guidelines, restricted to general phrases; can't be applied to all situations
Internal conflicts in codes due to overlapping entries
Codes cannot be the final authority for professional conduct

Computer Ethics

The study of ethical issues associated with computing machines and computing professions.
- Concerns about personal data privacy and security, intellectual property, & social consequences of technology design

Computer Ethics (Cont...)

Don't use a computer to harm other people.
Don't interfere with other people's computer work.
Don't snoop around in other people's computer files.
Don't use a computer to steal.
Don't copy/use proprietary software without payment.
Don't use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
Don't appropriate other people's intellectual output.
Consider social consequences of programs/designs.

End of Lecture

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Description

Dive into the principles of ethics in this quiz, exploring ancient ethical texts like the Epic of Gilgamesh and Homer's Iliad. Learn about the distinctions between normative and descriptive ethics, as well as the three primary branches of normative ethics: teleological, deontological, and virtue ethics. Test your understanding of moral philosophy and its applications.