Ethics as a topic is one which carries a vast amount of information. Through the diagram shown in figure one cited in Reader 5 (2013/14) it illustrates that the three main contexts in which ethics are considered are, personal, professional and organizational, which in turn affect society.
If I think about these ethical contexts and how they relate to me, when I consider personal ethics, it will ultimately be informed from my family values. I will use these values to help me be considerate and well prepared throughout the inquiry process. As my inquiry will partly be done in secondary school, this is where professional ethics will need to be considered. I will do this by, where concerned, following the school’s ‘code of conduct’ and keep any information I receive confidential.
As ethics evolved, we were made aware of different theoretical approaches to the topic, firstly through Aristotle who presented the idea of Virtue. Next brought Hobbes (1651) who’s view on ethics was Consequentialist. Kant (1779) believed in a Deontologist approach and Mill (1861) developed a theory of moral obligation published in his work as Utilitarianism.
Virtue
Virtue ethics is person rather than action based: it looks at the virtue or moral character of the person carrying out an action, rather than at ethical duties and rules, or the consequences of particular actions.
Consequentialism
Consequentialism says that right or wrong depend on the consequences of an act, and that the more good consequences are produced, the better the act.
Deontological
Deontological (duty-based) ethics are concerned with what people do, not with the consequences of their actions.
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism states that people should maximise human welfare or well-being (which they used to call 'utility' - hence the name).
All these fit into a theoretical, ethical framework which we use today to help us evaluate situations.
“As professions became more established and distinct they developed their own set of rules and norms. In tandem with this, professional codes of practice have developed in order to uphold the standards of the profession. Some professions have developed licences to practice and have professional bodies to oversee that codes and ethics are being adhered to.”
Reader 5 (2013/2014)
This highlights how ethics have developed and that professional ethics play a big part. As a profession becomes more established, they have developed licences to practice and a professional body has been introduced to oversee this. For example, in teaching you now need a PGCE or QTC followed by an NQT before you are considered “fully qualified” ) and OFSTED represent the professional body which make sure that ethics and regulations are being adhered to.
References
Reader 5, Middlesex University, 2013/2014
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/301107/Teachers__Standards.pdf
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