1. Ethics
Ethics Glossary LRE3-5

2. Ethics
“that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions” (Ethics Glossary)

3. ABFSE
“The basic premise that ethics is a major part of funeral service practice is derived from the idea that the funeral professional is entrusted with serving the bereaved survivors and the proper treatment and disposition of remains.”

4. University of Minnesota (1996)
“ethical conduct and practice ranked highest among 404 task statements that funeral directors evaluated
1996 and 1997 Gallop polls showed that the public ranked FDs among the top 10 professions with high or very-high ratings for honesty and ethics

5. Funeral Ethics Organization
Nonprofit educational organization
Purpose: “promote ethical dealings in all death-related transactions by working for better understanding of ethical issues……as well as a better understanding between these and the general public.”

6. FEO Mission
“Ethical dealings respect the feelings and emotions of the bereaved, provide respect to the deceased’s body, and refrain from taking economic advantage of consumers making funeral or memorial purchases.”

7. Manual of Professional Practice
Sections:
sphere and function of FS practitioner
ethical practice
responsibility to: family, clergy, cemetery/crematory, governmental and public agencies, press, and public
respect for the deceased
operation of the funeral home
publicity and promotion
deference to family’s choice of FD
funeral involving joint director responsibilties
defamation of others
inducing breach of agreement

8. Models for Ethical Decision-making
Most people do not have much difficulty in telling what’s absolutely right from what’s absolutely wrong.
It is the “gray” areas that are a challenge.

9. Kohlberg’s Moral Development Model
3 developmental levels (each level has 2 stages)
Pre-moral Stage: “a stage of moral development in which the individual is characterized as not understanding the rules or feeling a sense or obligation to them. Looking to experience only that which is good or pleasant or to avoid that which is painful.”

10. Pre-conventional Level (Stages 1 and 2)
“a stage of moral development in which moral reasoning is based on reward and punishment from those in authority”

11. Conventional Level (Stages 3 and 4)
“a stage of moral development in which the expectations of the social group (family, community, and nation) are supported and maintained”

12. Postconventional/Principles Level (Stages 5 and 6)
“a stage of moral development in which the individual considers universal moral principles which supersede the authority of the group”

13. Dr. Albert Schweitzer 5 basic criteria:
human nature: how would different “times” view the ethical question
consequences of the act
universal convictions
moral feelings
religious/philosophical convictions

14. Robert Ninker Executive Director of the FEO 4 ways:
What do the laws, rules or regulations dictate in this situation?
What would the community think of the action I am about to take if it were to become common knowledge?
The conscience check.
Summarize.

15. Rotary International “Four Way Test”
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?