Ethics Lesson Part 2 Notes from class Thursday 11 October 2012.

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics2 How are morals and ethics defined? Ethics – Set of accepted rules of conduct – Written or stated Morals – Refers to our behavior – Often a substitute for the word ethics

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics3 How are morals and ethics defined? (cont’d) Moral code of Western society – Based on Greek and Roman philosophy – Based on the Judeo-Christian ethic The Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule Rules have evolved over thousands of years. Some rules take the form of laws. – Laws against murder and arson Others are moral standards. – Laws against breaking promises or gossiping

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics4 What are cultural rules? Every culture has morals, values, and a concept of basic human rights. Customs, habits, and institutions vary from one culture to another. What is right in one culture may be considered wrong in another. Groups, such as family, school, and JROTC, also set moral codes.

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics5 How are ethical decisions made? (cont’d) Universal norms - the normal beliefs of people in most cultures – All cultures do not look at the same actions in the same way. – Without rules or norms, institutions would crumble. Non-universal norms - norms that do not carry universal moral obligations – These include duties specific to one’s religion. – One should not impose personal obligations on others.

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics6 How are ethical decisions made? (cont’d) Values are also used to make decisions. – Values can be at odds with each other. Spend tax dollars for defense or social programs? – Decisions should be based on doing the most good. – Greatest value for military is the public good. Personal values may conflict.

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics7 How are ethical decisions made? (cont’d) What are situational ethics? – The circumstances of a situation help form the basis for deciding what is right or wrong. What is appropriate in this situation? What is fitting in this case?

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics8 How are ethical decisions made? (cont’d) – Example: If we were shot down behind enemy lines, we might have to lie or steal to survive. – We might be forced to choose a course of action that would violate our code of ethics and our sense of values.

What has the greatest impact on our ethical decisions? Rules and Principles RULES AND PRINCIPLES

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics10 What are the traits of an ethical person? A person with a refined sense of ethics has – Consideration for other people’s feelings and needs – Integrity – Honor

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics11 What are the ethical traits of leaders? Leaders influence others to achieve goals. Leadership decisions are based on many factors. Each profession has a set of standards (moral or otherwise). A leader’s actions must help accomplish the goals of the organization. Right actions, or right choices, build confidence and self- respect and earn the respect of those affected by the actions.

Introduction to Air Force Junior ROTC Lesson 5, Chapter 1, Ethics12 What are moral courage and maturity? Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence defined moral courage this way: – To know right from wrong – To possess a firm set of values – To possess the strength to live by those values and do what is right regardless of the consequences