As an ethicist I have to think about a lot of potential problems…
It's kind of funny when I am giving a speech somewhere and they ask "what's an ethicist?" That is almost as difficult to explain as the difference between ethics, morals and "doing the right thing".
What is the right thing?
I know that it is wrong to put a bruise on a child but is it O.K. to inflict pain as part of his punishment? Is it O.K. to cause this child anxiety? Is it O.K. to just let the same child just find out the societal repercussions for his or her behavior without any strategy? This analogy is obviously oversimplified but the fact remains that morals are what we keep inside of us and ethics are the expectations of society. Sadly, doing the right thing the right way is not always a clear cut decision.
In some countries it is anticipated that we should bribe officials to get approval or sponsorship for our economic ventures. In the U.S. we think of bribery as the scourge of the Earth which is aligned with a potential loss of human morals. Who is right and who is wrong will be argued until the end of time. What you do need to realize is that ethics is part of society’s values and society is ever-changing.
What we need to do the ‘right thing’ is INCENTIVE. I gave a speech last year on how to improve your financial remuneration through ethical conduct. It was a tremendous hit!!! Think about how many of us would gladly strive to do the “right” and ethical thing if we made more money for doing so and received societal approval. “Yep, doing the right thing is the way to go” we would soon hear the chant…
How do we function as ethical people in a mismatched crazy world?
Here are some very simple steps to take when you have an emotional or cognitive quandary about what to do.
• Is it legal?
• Do others within your profession routinely do it?
• Would you be proud of your actions?
• Would the action be less than the minimal standard by your profession for a person within your community?
• Is it within the code of ethics for your profession or your professional standards?
• Hmmmm…. Would your dear ole’ grandmother approve? (That’s one I always remember).
• What are your options and do you feel O.K. about this?
Follow your instincts, ask a mentor for help and if all else fails call an ethicist…