Ethics
ethics n.
a. A set of principles of right conduct.
b. A theory or a system of moral values.
Why be ethical?
People have many reasons for being ethical:
- There is inner belief. Virtue is its own
reward.
- There is personal advantage. It is prudent to
be ethical. It's good business.
- There is approval. Being ethical leads to
self-esteem, the admiration of loved ones and the respect of
peers.
- There is religion. Good behavior can please or
help serve a deity.
- There is habit. Ethical action can fit in with
upbringing.
Ethics and Action
Ethics is about putting principles into action. Consistency
between what we say we value and what our actions say we value is a
matter of integrity.
- Not doing what you have the power to do. An
act isn't proper simply because it is permissible or you can get
away with it.
- Not doing what you have the right to do. There
is a big difference between what you have the right to do and what
is right to do.
- Not doing what you want to do. In the
well-worn turn of phrase, an ethical person often chooses to do
more than the law requires and less than the law allows.
Six Pillars of Character
The Pillars can help us detect situations where we focus so hard
on upholding one moral principle that we sacrifice another. They
can dramatically improve the ethical quality of our decisions and
thus our character and lives.
Trustworthiness. Be honest - Don't deceive,
cheat, or steal - Be reliable - do what you say you'll do - Have
the courage to do the right thing - Build a good reputation - Be
loyal - stand by your family, friends, and country
Respect. Treat others with respect - Be
tolerant of differences - Use good manners, not bad language - Be
considerate of the feelings of others - Don't threaten, hit or hurt
anyone - Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements
Responsibility. Do what you are supposed to do
- Persevere: keep trying! - Always do your best - Use self control
- Be self-disciplined - Think before you act - consider the
consequences - Be accountable for your choices
Fairness. Play by the rules - Take turns and
share - Be open-minded; listen to others - Don't take advantage of
others - Don't blame others carelessly
Caring. Be kind - Be compassionate and show you
care - Express gratitude - Forgive others - Help people in need
Citizenship. Do your share to make your school
and community better - Cooperate - Stay informed; vote - Be a good
neighbor - Obey laws and rules - Respect authority - Protect the
environment
Whether or not we realize it all the time, all our words,
actions, and attitudes reflect choices. We all have the power to
decide what we do and what we say and we are all morally
responsible for the consequences of our choices.