Notes for Ethics FSGN 3401 Midterm

Ethics

Principles and values that guide what is right and wrong in human behavior.

Normative Ethics

The branch of ethics that tells us how we should act in specific situations.

Meta Ethics

The branch of ethics that explores why we should act and feel a certain way.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory that suggests the outcomes influence morality, where the ends justify the means.

Deontology

An ethical theory that focuses on duty and intention rather than outcomes in moral action.

Virtue Ethics

An ethical theory that emphasizes caring for moral character and the type of people we should strive to be.

Non-maleficence

An ethical principle which is often summarized as 'do no harm'.

Confidentiality

The ethical principle of keeping private information secret.

Cultural Competence

The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.

Moral Development

The process through which individuals develop their understanding of morality.

Gilligan's Stages of Moral Development

A framework that challenges traditional moral development theories, focusing on care and relationships.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

A theory that claims moral development occurs in stages, focusing on justice and rights.

Moral Reasoning

The process of determining what is right or wrong in a given situation.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Public Allowance

An action is morally permissible if the individual would consent to have others know that such action is allowed.

Professional Code of Ethics

A set of guidelines that outline the ethical standards and responsibilities of a profession.

Moral Values

Core beliefs that shape our perceptions of right and wrong, such as integrity, honesty, and beneficence.

Integrity

The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

Beneficence

The ethical principle of doing good and promoting the well-being of others.

Justice

The ethical principle that emphasizes fairness and equity in treatment.

Core Values in Ethical Practice

Fundamental principles like respect for diversity and practicing integrity in professional contexts.

Professional Responsibility

The obligation to act in a manner that meets the ethical standards of one's profession.