Module 1 - What is Ethics?

SAQ 1

1. Pick three definitions of ethics from those given and give your own example of each.
   
   

   Ethics is derived from the Greek term “ethos”, which means character or custom.
   Its equivalent term in Roman is the word “mores”, from which words like morality, morals, and mores are derived. For instance, in a Muslim community, polygamy – the practice of having more than one wife at single time– is ethical; on the other hand, polygamy in a Christian community is unethical.
   
   Ethics is an area of philosophy that deals with man’s pursuit of “good life”. For example, the government’s effort to implement the “Clean Air Act” is an ethical move to protect the environment and health of the people.
   
   Ethics is the study and philosophy of human conduct with emphasis on the determination of right and wrong. An example to illustrate this definition: Juan is the Supply Officer of ABC Corporation, a government-owned agency. The fact that procurement of supplies, materials and equipment is done through canvass and bidding, Juan uses his position in favor of certain suppliers in exchange of money, thus, Juan’s act is unethical.
   

2. Pick one area of applied ethics (e.g. nursing ethics), study some of its concerns, and summarize what you find out.


1. Respect he rights and dignity of all individuals.


2. Accept responsibility for the exercise of sound judgment.


3. Maintain and promote high standards for physical therapy practice, education, and research.


4. Seek remuneration for their services that is deserved and reasonable.


5. Provide accurate information to the consumer about the profession and about those services they provide.


6. Accept responsibility to protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent or illegal acts.


7. Participate in efforts to address the health needs of the public.


(Adopted from the Association of Physical Therapist Association)



3. Rona belongs to a community A where no law prohibits the reproduction (without permission of the owner) and trading of intellectual property like computer software, and the like. Jojo, on the other hand, belongs to community B where a law on infringement of intellectual property rights is being enforced. One day, Rona visits Jojo in his home. Unaware of community B’s law on intellectual property, Rona copies computer software designed by Jojo without the latter’s consent and even reproduces the same voluminous quantity (with intention to sell the material in community A). As expected, Jojo gets angry with Rona and files a case against her for transgressing the law of community B. The case is to be tried on neutral territory, with you as judged. What would be your judgment? Support your position using any of the definitions of ethics discussed in this module.



Ethics is the study and philosophy of human conduct with emphasis on the determination of right and wrong. Even unaware of community B’s law on intellectual property, the fact that Rona copied computer software designed by Jojo without the latter’s consent is already invasion of the rights of Jojo, therefore her act is unethical.

“Ignorance of the law excuses no one.” Intellectual property rights are protected by law because it concerns the public. The offense was committed in Community B where a law on infringement of intellectual property rights is being enforced; the offense is against the fundamental law of the state and public order, thus the law where the offense was committed will apply. As the judge, I find Rona GUILTY. The decision is based on the definition of “ethics that deal with the basic principles of right action especially with reference to a particular person, profession, and others.” This definition of ethics pertains to norms that govern human actions and omission in every facet of life, whether they involve people in general, or a group of people engaged in the practice of their profession or craft in particular.



4. In your opinion, when does an act become ethical or unethical? Explain your answer. Support it using your own example(s).



An act is ethical if it is good in itself or objectively, in its particular end and the circumstances. It is unethical is the act is done for wrong purpose and harmful to other people.

For instance, giving alms to the poor is ethical, if it is done as an act of mercy. However, giving alms to the poor for the purpose of showing off that act to gain impression as beneficent person is unethical.

Another example is extending help to extinguish a destructive fire is ethical, however, if the act of helping extinguish a destructive fire is with the purpose of stealing valuable property from the burning building is unethical.

Legalizing abortion as a means of controlling population is ethical. Abortion done by an individual to spare a family from shame is extremely unethical.



5. If you will be given the opportunity to formulate at least five ethical norms to govern computing, what would they be? Briefly explain each.



1. Use computer for the good and benefit of the society.
   
   Computer is a powerful tool use in all aspect of society – home, offices, education, health, government – thus, computer must be use to alleviate and not to impair people’s life.



2. Respect the privacy of others.
   
   Viewing, modifying, or using another person's computer files, programs or data without authorized permission is unethical behavior and an invasion of that person's privacy. Think of the effects of your actions, and then put yourself in the position of someone who would be affected.



3. Respect other’s rights to ownership
   
   Use software programs which you own, have been permitted to use, have been paid for, or are in the public domain. Recognize and give proper credit for intellectual property.




4. Do not use computer to harm others
   
   Use software and related technologies for purposes that are beneficial to others, that are not harmful (physically, financially or otherwise) to others or others' property, and that are within the law.



5. Do not use computer to steal
   
   Do not use computer to break codes and password of others in order to use the computer system or other resources for the purpose of tampering and stealing information, or transferring of funds from one account to another.