Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Ethics and Health Education Chapter 5

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Key Terms & Origin n Major areas of philosophy –Ethics – study of morality –Epistemology – study of knowledge –Metaphysics – study of the nature of reality n Origin –Ethics comes from ethos –Morals comes from mores –Both mean character

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Different or the Same? n Ethics “seems to pertain to the individual character of a person or persons, whereas morality seems to point to the relationships between human beings” (Thiroux, 1995, p. 3) n Terms used the same in this chapter

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Ethics defined… n The study of good and bad, right and wrong, of duty and obligation, and of reasoning and choices. n The important thing to remember is that moral-immoral and ethical-unethical essentially mean right-wrong, good-bad.

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Why Should People Act Ethically? n Brings meaning & purpose to life n Provides a standard by which to live n Provides for a better society n Is the right thing to do for society & self n Leads to a healthier & more emotionally satisfying life n Others appreciate it & will tend to treat you likewise

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Professional Ethics n Defined… “Actions that are right and wrong in the workplace and are of public matter. Professional moral principles are not statements of taste or preference; they tell practitioners what they ought to do and what they ought not do” (Feeney & Freeman, 1999, p. 6) n It is expected of professionals n Delineates what is acceptable & unacceptable n Establishes your credibility & reputation

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” King Solomon

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Ethical Theories n Major categories of theories –Formalism (deontological or non- consequentialism) – looking at the act; the end does not justify the means. –Consequentialism (teleology) – looking at the consequences; the end does justify the means. n Neither can answer all ethical questions n Ethical questions are answered through philosophical thought, using reason, logic, & argument

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Five Basic Principles for Common Moral Ground n Value of Life – 1st & most basic principle n Goodness or Rightness – Subdivided into two related principles –Nonmaleficence – 1st duty is to do no harm –Beneficence or Benevolence – Doing good; actions that provide for the greater good of the community

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Five Basic Principles for Common Moral Ground (con’t.) n Justice or Fairness – just in distributing goodness & badness n Honesty or Truthfulness – at the heart of any moral relationship is communication; telling the truth n Individual freedom (equality principle or principle of autonomy) – people must have the freedom to choose their own way of being ethical within the framework of the other principles.

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Making Ethical Decisions n Step 1: Define problem & seek answers to relevant informational questions n Step 2: Contemplate the ultimate goals & ideals for which you as a moral person are striving n Step 3: Consider the consequences of each alternative under reflection n Step 4: Consider the nature of the alternatives

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Making Ethical Decisions (con’t.) n Step 5: Reflect on yourself; impact of a proposed action on you as a moral person n Step 6: Reflect on your society & environment n Step 7: Apply the “categorical imperative;” how would you want others to act? n Step 8: Choose your alternative & act courageously & decisively

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Making Ethical Decisions (con’t.) n Be aware of the context in which an ethical decision is made n Consider –Place –Time –Identity –Social relationships –The ideal – “most noble” alternative –The concrete –Seriousness

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Ethical Issues & Health Education n Ethical issues interface with all aspects of our professional lives n Obligations of professions & professionals (Bayles, 1989) –Obligations & availability of services –Obligations between professionals & clients –Obligations to third parties –Obligations between professionals & employers –Obligations to the profession

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Ethical Issues & Health Education (con’t.) n Ethical dilemmas –Must be an issue (a controversy), two sides; e.g., Who should provide sex- education to youth? –Must involve a question of right and wrong; e.g., Does an employer have the right to make all employees attend the health education program?

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Ensuring Ethical Behavior n Limit Entry into the Profession –Selective admission to programs –Retention standards in academic programs –Graduation from academic programs (An accredited program?) –Completion of internships –Becoming credentialed (i.e., CHES) –Continual updating to retain credential

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Ensuring Ethical Behavior (con’t.) n Practicing Professionals –Code of ethics – Code of ethics for the Health Education Profession (Appendix A) –Self monitoring –Peer review committee (panel); warnings, limitations to practice; expulsion –Legal system

Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Benjamin Cummings. Ethics and Health Education Chapter 5 – The End