Ethical Decisions
What determines your own sense of morality?
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The definitions provided so far in this lesson provide us an indication of the range of ethical theories that are in existence. Some of these theories will be discussed in more detail in later lessons and new theories will also be introduced. As you go through the course you will be encouraged to decide how different ethical theories can be applied in different situations. However, at this stage it is worth examining your own ideas of morality and how you as an individual decide what is right and wrong? What influences your own behavior/actions? From the information provided so far in this lesson do you feel that are any of the ethical theories represent your own views?
Each of us follows our own ‘code of practice’ though it’s unlikely we would refer to it as such. Over the years, either consciously or unconsciously, we have adopted certain behaviours and rejected others. Your personal ethical boundaries are influenced by your upbringing, family, friends, teachers, colleagues, experience, your biological make-up and important events both in your own life and in society.
It is important to reflect upon the origins of your ethics. Are they based on religion, evolution or philosophy? You might state, for example, Christianity as the basis for your ethical standards if you have grown up in a predominantly Christian society. Within that, however, it is important to peel back the layers of these beliefs to their core such as; what is the basis for the ten commandments, such as thou shalt not kill? Is it based on the belief that god made man and we should not destroy what god has made? Or, alternatively, are our ethical standards based on evolution and the belief that we evolved over millions of years to become the superior beings that we are and superior beings don’t kill each other? Or, are our ethical standards based on something like Buddhism? The belief that we may damage our future lives if we do not act with kindness and integrity in this one?
This kind of self-analysis also begs the question - are ethical standards simply imposed upon us by the society in which we find ourselves immersed and, if so, are they necessarily “right”, or are they all simply based on the norms of a particular group? As we have discussed this issue is known as relativism, the philosophy surrounding the belief that there is no such thing as absolute truth or validity, that everything is relative and subjective.
If we follow ethics down this path we must also ask - are ethical standards learnt or innate behaviours? If ethics are innate then would each person have a different set of ethical standards? Are human beings innately selfish creatures who use every moment to benefit themselves, or are we innately social and caring?
Most societies use laws to impose widely accepted moral standards. However, it is important to remember that ethics and laws are not necessarily the same. An act can be legal but unethical, or even illegal but ethical.
Some organisations, for example, might view ethics simply as a public relations exercise. In this case ethics become important only when it impacts on the customer’s desire to do business with them. The focus is around not getting caught in unethical practices and outside of this, all is fair in the pursuit of a lawful profit.
A truly ethical organisation requires more than an adherence to the laws of the land. Consideration must be broadened beyond the company’s own interests to include the wider community, employees, customers, suppliers, government, the general public, future generations etc.
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