Ethics Chapter 1 Flashcards

Study Notes

Ethics Overview

Ethics studies ideals regarding human behavior, guiding principles without dictating actions.
Right and wrong pertain to behaviors or conduct, while good and bad relate to outcomes and consequences.

Goal of Ethics

Aims to protect the rights and needs of professions in complex situations beyond black and white distinctions.

Morality vs. Ethics

Morality serves as the operational component of ethics, determining right and wrong for ethical applications.
Morals reflect specific societal standards, whereas ethics are applicable to various situations.

Philosophical Perspectives

Aristotle emphasizes moral goodness as the ultimate goal of ethics.
Socrates posits that knowing what is right leads to ethical action, suggesting wrongdoing stems from ignorance.

Processes for Ethical Behavior

Moral sensitivity involves recognizing ethical issues and understanding consequences.
Moral judgment is the capacity to decide on morally justified actions.
Moral motivation reflects commitment to ethical actions and accountability.
Moral character embodies courage and determination in executing ethical behavior.

Ethical Theories

Metaethics explores the nature of moral standards and values.
Normative ethics defines what is right or wrong and establishes behavior standards.
Applied ethics focuses on ethical dilemmas in specific contexts, such as professions and situations.

Steps in the Study of Ethics

Awareness and receptiveness to moral/ethical issues are foundational.
Development of critical thinking and analytical abilities enhances understanding.
Personal responsibility increases during the study of ethics.
Recognition of professional cultures informs ethical conduct.

Personal Ethics Elements

Core elements include discretion, duty, honesty, loyalty, and respect for others.

Contextual Aspects of Ethics

Social context examines how individuals relate based on circumstances.
Criminal justice context studies ethics related to law enforcement.
Forensic ethics integrates personal, social, and criminal justice contexts.

Ethical Decision-Making Steps

Identify if an ethical issue exists and outline the stakeholders.
Gather relevant facts involved in the decision-making process.
Determine if the issue is a right vs. wrong situation or a choice among competing actions.
Apply ethical theories to assess stakes involved.
Consider options to explore compromises.
Make a decision and evaluate outcomes for future reference.

Existentialism

Represents a 20th-century philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence and choice.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of ethics with these flashcards, which define key concepts such as right and wrong, good and bad, and the overall goals of ethical practices. Perfect for anyone looking to understand the basics of ethical theory and its applications in human behavior.