We have already reviewed what ethics is, and last week we began discussing what ethics is not. Today, we will wrap up our discussion of what ethics is not.
We are pulling from Claire André and Manuel Velasquez’s article, “What is Ethics?” The two authors discuss what ethics is by virtue of speaking about what it is not, perhaps the best way to begin any discussion about ethics in a classroom environment.
In other words, every situation is different and we need to be able to assess how we should conduct ourselves based on the merits of the relevant factors and what points us toward the best course of action.
So to summarize both this and the previous post, if we cannot rely on our feelings or gut instincts, religious creed, the law, social norms, scientific methodology, or anything absolutely, is learning to be ethical simply a fool’s pursuit? To put it differently, why should we make Generation Y care about Ethics if it seems like such a non-definitive undertaking and concept?
To answer these questions, gain more insight into what ethics is and is not, and learn how to effectively assess and develop ethical decision-making skills in your students, access your free eBook – Assessing and Developing Ethical Decision-Making Skills.