What in the world is ethics?

“Ethics” Comes from Greek term meaning “the science of morals or character” The study of the principles of human duty The study of morality

Ethics is….. Standards of conduct, standards that indicate how one should behave based on moral duties and virtues, which themselves are derived from principles of right and wrong. As a practical matter, ethics is about how we meet the challenge of doing the right thing when that will cost more than we want to pay. -©2001 Josephson Institute

Ethics involves….. The ability to discern wrong from right And do it!!! It involves action—not just discussion

Is Ethics vs. Ought Ethics How individuals actually behave Ought Ethics that prescribe how people should behave -©2001 Josephson Institute

Morals An individuals customs or manners “Good or Evil”; “Right or Wrong” Morals deal with motives, intentions, actions

Moral Duty Moral duty refers to the obligation to act or refrain from acting according to moral principles. Moral duties establish the minimal standards of ethical conduct. ©2001 Josephson Institute

Moral Virtue Moral virtue goes beyond moral duty. It refers to moral excellence, characteristics or conduct (say, generosity or valor) worthy of praise or admiration because it advances moral principle. Moral virtue is an ideal, not ethically mandatory. ©2001 Josephson Institute

Values Values are core beliefs or desires that guide or motivate attitudes and actions. They define the things we value and prize the most, and, therefore, provide the basis for ranking the things we want in a way that elevates some values over others. Thus, our values determine how we will behave in certain situations. ©2001 Josephson Institute

Values Anything having relative worth “Value” is a relative term Moral values and nonmoral values Nonmoral values $$$ Fame Power Position Winning

Values vs. Ethics The terms "values" and "ethics" are not interchangeable. Ethics is concerned with how a moral person should behave, whereas values simply concern the various beliefs and attitudes that determine how a person actually behaves. ©2001 Josephson Institute

COMMON RATIONALIZATIONS If It’s Necessary, It’s Ethical If It’s Legal and Permissible, It’s Proper I Was Just Doing It for You I’m Just Fighting Fire With Fire It Doesn’t Hurt Anyone ©2001 Josephson Institute

COMMON RATIONALIZATIONS Everyone’s Doing It It’s OK If I Don’t Gain Personally I’ve Got It Coming I Can Still Be Objective ©2001 Josephson Institute

Ethics Are studied in various fields Legal ethics Business ethics Medical ethics **Sport ethics**

What is sport ethics? Sports ethics is the use of moral values and principles to judge conduct relating to sports activities. It involves evaluating the soundness of the intentions and decisions of people and organizations engaged in sports-related endeavors. In a less academic sense, sports ethics refers to the moral guidelines that are inferred from words like "sportsmanship" and "fair play.” -THE SPORTS ETHICS INSTITUTE

Why study ethics in sports? Most of our important decisions and actions require judgment calls. Judgments that involve whether an act or decision is right or wrong and what we ought to do relate to ethics. Because sports affects our lives and livelihoods in so many ways – – it makes sense to examine experiences in sports to make sure they are what they should be in a society that is at its very best.-THE SPORTS ETHICS INSTITUTE

Why conduct ethical analyses? Ethical analyses clarify our beliefs about what is right or wrong and justifies our moral choices. The more we examine the ethical dimensions of our experiences – both in and out of sports – and those of others, the better chance we have of making sound judgments. And the better decisions we make individually, the better off we will be as a society.-THE SPORTS ETHICS INSTITUTE