In the discussions about social and professional issues last August 16, and 23, we reviewed what ethics is as a concept of society, and how it is applied practically and professionally. Its basic principles were also discussed along with its differences between morality, law, and religion. Moral behavior and various ethical dilemmas were also discussed and what standards everyone should follow to know that their actions are considered morally “right” or “wrong”. Here is my understanding of these topics.
According to the basics of ethics, there are two concepts of ethics. These are “applied ethics” and “Professional Ethics”. Applied ethics usually happens in our everyday lives. It simply “dictates” our actions to know whether they are “right” or “wrong” even though there isn’t any law, policy, or state that says so. Professional Ethics on the other hand, focuses more on how we should behave in our profession, or how we should act as professionals. This kind of ethics requires us to do critical thinking as we abide by the rules at the same time, in the most complex situations that could happen in our workplace, or anywhere that is related to our profession.
The basic principles of ethics enforce the rules or policies that professional ethics follow as defying or failing to follow one of these principles may lead to being unable to resolve complex ethical issues. These principles are: Respecting Autonomy, Nonmaleficence, Beneficence, Justice, and Fidelity. For me, each of these principles has one thing in common and that is to treat others with respect and professionalism. By abiding by the ethical principles and professional ethics, it is much easier to deal with ethical issues without having to leave a negative impact to others.
Knowing the difference between morality, law, and religion is paramount when facing ethical dilemmas. As their difference lies in how they are defined. While morality simply is “beliefs”, law has a strong basis on what they may deem right or wrong. Laws are created by lawmakers to regulate the actions of everyone in a certain community to maintain peace and order. Religion on the other hand, has a basis for its principles and is followed because of having trust or faith in a supreme being that governs all. Morality, law, and religion all have different perspectives in facing ethical issues. Trying to apply all three in complex ethical situations would lead to principles clashing and could result in confusion. But by separating these concepts allow us to have more analysis in solving ethical problems in the real world.
The topics really went in-depth in understanding how we should know what kind of moral ethical issues we are in and how do we solve them. By understanding and using these principles and concepts, we could be able to face such challenges in the future with more confidence, respect, and professionalism.
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