Ethics in Funeral Directing

Flashcards covering key ethics concepts and their application in funeral service, based on the provided lecture notes.

What is ethics as defined in the notes?

The branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to the rightness and wrongness of actions and the goodness and badness of motives and ends.

What are the foundations of ethics listed in the notes?

Philosophy, ethical theories, religion, values, and the code of ethics.

What is the utilitarian approach in ethics?

Moral behaviors that produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

How is the rightness or wrongness of an action determined in deontology?

By the inherent nature of the action, not by its consequences.

Give an example of a deontological principle.

Honesty—telling the truth even if it may lead to unfavorable outcomes.

What religious or constitutional examples are used to illustrate deontology in the notes?

The Ten Commandments and constitutional rights (freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition).

What does virtue ethics emphasize?

Character and the development of virtuous traits (aretê) rather than only actions or outcomes.

Name the central concepts of virtue ethics.

Virtue (aretê), Eudaimonia, and Practical Wisdom (phronêsis).

Which religious influences are noted as foundational to modern ethics?

Judeo-Christian beliefs; the Golden Rule; exposure to other faiths (Islam, Buddhism, etc.).

What are values?

Beliefs held in high esteem; examples include issues like assisted suicide, abortion, stem cell research, homeland security procedures, and alternative dispositions.

What is a Code of Ethics?

A public declaration of professional standards of right and wrong conduct for organizations such as funeral directors.

What is contained in the Funeral Service Oath?

A pledge of loyalty to the profession, dedication to the bereaved, confidentiality, obedience to laws, avoidance of misconduct, and service with honor.

Name the three levels of Kohlberg's theory of ethical development.

Pre-conventional, Conventional, and Post-conventional.

What characterizes Level 1 (Pre-conventional) in Kohlberg's theory?

Moral reasoning based on reward and punishment; heteronomous morality.

What characterizes Level 2 (Conventional) in Kohlberg's theory?

Moral reasoning based on external ethics; 'Good boy/girl' expectations and law-and-order morality.

What characterizes Level 3 (Post-conventional) in Kohlberg's theory?

Moral reasoning based on personal ethics; social contract and universal ethical principles.

What does Gilligan's theory contribute to ethical development?

Emphasizes care ethics in women; stages: Self-oriented, Other-oriented, Universal; highlights divergences from Kohlberg.

What is the difference between ethics and laws?

Ethics are internal, concerned with motives and personal/societal norms; laws are external, enforceable rules for the larger community, with penalties.

What are the three sources of ethics listed in the notes?

Personal/Individual Ethics; Situational Ethics/Relativism; Business/Professional Ethics.

What is the 4-Way Test for Funeral Ethics?

What is the norm of society? Are laws being broken? What does your conscience tell you? What would a greater power tell you to do?

What topics are included under Ethics in Funeral Directing?

Client/family facilitation; confidentiality; knowledgeable and factual representation; disposition options; service and merchandise selection/warranties; financial issues.

What diversity considerations are highlighted for professional service?

Race/ethnicity, religion, personal preferences, medical circumstances, disability, socioeconomic status, culture, gender, veteran status.

What should Colleague Relationships in funeral service promote and avoid?

Promote understanding and cooperation; share information; develop a professional image; avoid gossip; report ethical violations.

Name some allied professions related to funeral service.

Medical, clergy, legal, florists, cemetery/crematory personnel, monument companies, insurance, government agencies, law enforcement, military, third-party vendors, hospice, organ/tissue organizations.

What ethics considerations concern the deceased?

Confidentiality/privacy; informed consent for actions (e.g., taking photos); care and handling with dignity; thorough preparation; custody/disposition of personal effects.

What areas are covered under Ethics within Funeral Service Operations?

Employer-employee relationships; personal conduct; discrimination/harassment; hiring/training/continuing education/internships; environmentally safe conditions; compensation/security; personal appearance; professional image.

What are key considerations for accuracy and privacy of records?

Records must be accurate and private; agreements (oral/written); avoid unlicensed tasks; comply with ethical principles and state laws.

What guidelines govern publicity, promotions, and advertising?

Factual representations; discretion; accurate representations; warranties; testimonials/endorsements; advertising; pricing; promotions.

What guidelines apply to social media use for business and personal contexts?

Business: post only authorized information and respond appropriately; Personal: maintain appropriate professional presence and limit work-related use of company resources.

What topics are addressed in Pre-Need Ethics?

Pre-plan vs. pre-fund; pre-planning funeral arrangements; personnel qualifications; following oral and written wishes; records/privacy/security; copies to family; adherence to laws.

What considerations are involved in Pre-funded funeral arrangements?

Appropriation of funds; substitutions/refunds; prudent investment; fiduciary duties; funding methods; trusts/insurance; disclosures; commissions/referrals; future stability.

What does After-Care Ethics address?

After-care counseling; knowledge of community resources; professional referrals; pre-need solicitation.

How should ethical violations be addressed and reported?

Resolve conflicts between coworkers/employees and employers/clients; report to appropriate authorities (OSHA, local funeral board, state attorney general, FTC).