Ethical Considerations
Ethics What do we mean by “ethics” or “unethical”? Motivations to behave unethically: Personal gain, especially power Competition Restoration of justice or fairness What is “fairness?”
Some Ways to Behave Unethically Selective disclosure &/or misrepresentation to others Deception False threats or false promises Provide false information (lie) Inflict intentional harm on the other party Selective disclosure or misrepresentation to constituencies
Ethical Decisions Have Complexity Multiple alternatives Broad & long-range consequences Uncertain consequences Mixture of economic, legal, ethical, social, and personal benefits and costs
Some Ethical Systems Eternal law: "capital-T truth" Ethical Egoism: seek self-interests & promote greatest balance of good over bad for self, with ethical constraints Utilitarianism: greatest good for the greatest number, or maximize the social benefit function Universalism (Categorical imperative): would I be willing to make the basis for my action a general law binding everyone, given similar circumstances? Enlightened self-interest: self-interest rightly understood, with long-term perspective or judging from my deathbed Ethics of interdependence: interdependence between individuals is fundamental; be willing to compromise to help the other side achieve goals
Some Ethical Introspections Is it right? Is it fair? How does it smell? Who benefits and who gets hurt? What if details were made public? What would you tell your child to do? What if everyone did this?
Consider Learning from your mistakes Look in the mirror & see how you like what you see Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and see how they see you However, don’t be naive
Case: A Tragic Choice Review silently the questions at end of the case We discuss Q.1 Each group takes one of questions 2-5 plus the general question: If you were Jim, what would you do and why? - reports back All join in discussion of each
The Insufficiency of Honesty Honesty: refusal to steal, lie, or deceive in any way Integrity: trustworthiness & incorruptibility to a degree that one is incapable of being false to a trust or responsibility
Integrity Honesty is necessary, but not sufficient The most important thing in acting is honesty; once you learn to fake that, you’re in. - Sam Goldwyn
Integrity Honesty Discerning Acting on what you have discerned Examining beliefs & assumptions Searching for "truth," avoiding error Allowing others the same Acting on what you have discerned Even at personal cost Fulfilling moral obligations Do no harm to others Not just the minimum
Kohlberg Stages of Moral Development Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment (e.g., I won't hit him because he may hit me back.) Stage 2: Individual Instrumental Purpose and Exchange (I will help her so she will help me in exchange.) Stage 3: "Good Boy/girl" (I will go along with you because I want you/people to like me.) Stage 4: Law and Order (I will follow the rule/order because it is wrong not to.) Stage 5: Valuing Rights of Others plus Social Rights and Responsibilities (Although I disagree with his views, I support his right to have them.) Stage 6: Individual Principles of Conscience Grounded in Universal Ethical Principles (There is no external force that can compel me to do an act that I consider morally wrong.)